Bears not ruling out early return for Cutler from groin injury

LAKE FOREST, Ill. – The Chicago Bears aren't ruling out an early return for injured quarterback Jay Cutler.

Expected to miss at least four weeks because of a torn groin muscle, Cutler hopes to be back sooner. He says "that's the goal."

Cutler spoke Tuesday for the first time since he was injured in a loss at Washington on Oct. 20. The Bears said he would miss at least a month and be evaluated week to week after that.

Coach Marc Trestman says the doctors will decide when Cutler is ready to come back, and if it's earlier than expected, that "would be great."

Trestman did not declare Cutler out for Monday's game at Green Bay but said it's "highly unlikely" he would play.