Bears Cutler, Forte likely to remain out
CHICAGO, Dec. 27 (UPI) -- Doctors were to remove pins stabilizing the thumb of Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler Tuesday, but don't look for him to play again this season.
Head Coach Lovie Smith has not ruled Cutler out of Sunday's regular-season finale against the 3-12 Vikings in Minneapolis, but after losing five straight games the Bears (7-8) have little to play for.
They were eliminated from post-season contention in a 35-21 Christmas Night loss to the defending Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers -- the Bears' fourth straight loss to the Pack.
Journeyman quarterback Josh McCown will likely get the start after leading the offense to a season-high 441 yards in a losing effort at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.
Bears star running back Matt Forte also is unlikely to see action as he recovers from a sprained MCL in his right knee, the Chicago Tribune reported.
"If they're healthy and ready to do, we won't tell them no," Smith said Monday. "I don't know if that will be the case."
Vikings running back Adrian Peterson is out for the season with a torn ACL and MCL in his left knee.
Playoff-bound 49ers release WR Edwards
SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 27 (UPI) -- The NFL West Champion San Francisco 49ers Tuesday released veteran wide receiver Braylon Edwards.
Edwards, who had knee surgery this year, played in nine games this season after signing with San Francisco (12-3) as a free agent during the NFL lockout, catching 15 passes for just 181 yards with no touchdowns.
"I was released today by the 49ers due to my injury that required more time to rehab and hasn't allowed me to re-sync with the offense," Edwards wrote in a post on his Web site. "I wish the 49ers organization the best of luck during the playoffs."
Nashville's Weber has concussion
NASHVILLE, Dec. 27 (UPI) -- Defenseman Shea Weber, who leads the Nashville Predators in points, has been diagnosed with a concussion, the team said Tuesday.
Weber "will be evaluated on a daily basis with no timetable on his return," the team posted on its Twitter account.
The Predators' captain was hurt in a game at Dallas Friday.
Weber, 26, leads Nashville in points (29), assists (21) and plus-minus (+14).
ATP names Drewett new head
LONDON, Dec. 27 (UPI) -- The ATP Tuesday named former player and current senior executive Brad Drewett president and chief executive officer of the tennis organization.
Drewett, 53, a two-time Australian Open junior champion who played Davis Cup tennis for Australia, was unanimously approved to a three-year term by the ATP board of directors in London replacing outgoing Chairman and President Adam Helfant.
"I am honored to have this opportunity to lead the ATP, an organization that I am proud to have been a part of since the beginning of my professional playing career," said Drewett.
"The ATP World Tour and men's tennis are stronger than ever and it is my intention to continue to lead the organization on this successful path, working hand in hand with our players and tournaments."
