ESPN: Source says Cutler benched for next Bears game

CHICAGO -- A source has told ESPN's Adam Schefter that Bears quarterback Jay Cutler has been benched in favor of Jimmy Clausen for Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions.

Earlier Wednesday, Chicago Bears coach Marc Trestman acknowledged he is not getting the most out of quarterback Jay Cutler.

The Bears (5-9) have two games left in a season that derailed long ago and changes could be coming. Trestman said his focus is on preparing for Sunday's game against Detroit and halting a three-game skid.

It would help if Cutler hung onto the ball. He leads the league with 18 interceptions and 24 turnovers after signing a seven-year contract at the end of last year, and Trestman didn't try to sugarcoat things when he was asked about making sure Cutler is performing at his best.

"I think that's evident I haven't, up to this point," said Trestman, who was hired two years ago to do just that. "Am I working at it? Yes. But we've seen moments, but we haven't done it on a consistent basis. I can't hide from that. I haven't been able and we haven't been able to do the thing that we want to get done. We're working toward that. But the answer to that is obvious."

As for Trestman's future? The coach hears the rumblings.

"We're aware that there's noise out there," he said. "I've been around the NFL long enough to know that when you're 5-9 there's going to be a lot going on outside the building."

Inside the Bears' headquarters, Trestman said he feels he has support.

"I walk through the building and I feel very supported here," he said.

Trestman said he has "cordial conversations" and "business conversations" with chairman George McCaskey but would not divulge any details. If there are changes, it is unclear how far up the chain they will go.

Defensive coordinator Mel Tucker and offensive coordinator Aaron Kromer, who admitted he was a source behind a recent NFL Network report criticizing Cutler, could be on the way out.

Trestman might be coaching his final games, and there are big questions about general manager Phil Emery. After all, he hired Trestman over Bruce Arians two years ago and put together a team that took a big step back after going 8-8 last season.

The defense continues to rank among the league's worst, but the biggest issue is the regression of the offense. The Bears have gone from second to 19th in scoring and have failed to hit the 30-point mark this season.

They hired Trestman hoping he would get the most out of Cutler. But that's not happening this season.

"But it's not all about Jay. It's about our entire offense, working together to get it done," Trestman said.

The Associated Press, ESPN and WLS-TV contributed to this report.