Bears' Jay Cutler returns to practice on limited basis

LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler returned to practice on a limited basis Wednesday after missing a game because of a sprained right thumb.

Cutler was injured against Philadelphia on Sept. 19 and sat out last week's 31-17 loss at Dallas. Veteran Brian Hoyer went 30 of 49 for 317 yards filling in against the Cowboys and would likely start again if Cutler is not available against Detroit this week.

The Bears (0-3) have battled a long line of injuries, and on top of that, coach John Fox missed practice because of a stomach illness on Wednesday.