Bears QB Jay Cutler undergoing tests to determine severity of shoulder injury

LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler is undergoing tests to determine the severity of a shoulder injury he suffered in Sunday's 22-16 loss to the New York Giants, a source confirmed.

The Chicago Tribune was the first to report that Cutler's shoulder injury could be season-ending.

Cutler was sacked four times by the Giants, including a vicious hit by New York defensive end Olivier Vernon on the Bears' second play from scrimmage. That hit resulted in a 15-yard roughing the passer penalty.

Team medical personnel examined Cutler's shoulder on the sidelines, but the veteran quarterback ended up finishing the game.

Matt Barkley, Chicago's No. 2 quarterback, is preparing to start if Cutler misses time.

Barkley completed six of 15 pass attempts for 81 yards and two interceptions in one appearance this year.

In another sign that Cutler could miss time, the team is bringing back quarterback David Fales, according to multiple reports.

Fales, a 2015 sixth-round draft pick by the Bears out of San Jose State, has been on and off the practice squad several times over the past two seasons and has never taken a snap in the NFL.

He had most recently been on the Ravens' practice squad.

Cutler, 33, suffered a thumb injury that forced him to leave Week 2's prime-time game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Cutler sat out five weeks before returning to the starting lineup after Brian Hoyer broke his forearm at Green Bay on Oct. 20.

In five games in 2016, Cutler has thrown five interceptions and lost two fumbles.

Cutler's contract runs out of guaranteed money after the season. The Bears would take a $2 million cap hit if they trade or release Cutler in the offseason, but the move would open up $13 million worth of space.