Cutler Progressing 11/15/12

"A lot of you would like to know about Jay Cutler and how he's doing.  He's getting better," said Lovie Smith Tuesday. 

That's the first step for Cutler.  But he still has not been cleared medically to play or practice.   And even if he is cleared this week that's not a guarantee that he'll play Monday against the 49ers.

"He's not going to go back. He's not going to start practicing unless he's completely healed and ready to go," said Smith. "He won't play of course untill there's no issues with that."

The Bears aren't as worried about Cutler being sidelined as they've been in the past.   They have faith that Jason Campbell can step in and do the job if it comes to that.

"We like Jason Campbell. We've been saying that all along," says Smith. "The reason we like him is based on what we've seen from meetings, practices and training camp. All those different situations. "

This game could be the battle of the backup quarterbacks.  49ers QB Alex Smith also has a concussion.  If he can't go Colin Kaepernick is the Niners version of Jason Campbell.

"Whatever quarterback it is we have to prepare for both of them. Because if one don't play you're going to have to prepare for the other one," says Bears safety Major Wright.