Cutler to start at quarterback Sunday for Chicago Bears

CHICAGO, Dec. 12 (UPI) -- Chicago Quarterback Jay Cutler will return to the starting lineup Sunday for the Bears' game against Cleveland.

Chicago Coach Marc Trestman had said that Cutler would be the Bears' quarterback when he was recovered from an ankle injury. That clearance came this week and Thursday Trestman said Cutler would be on the field in Cleveland Sunday.

The decision sends Josh McCown back to the second team. McCown had played well in place of Cutler, including a five touchdown passing performance Monday in a 45-28 win over Dallas.

Cutler missed four games with a sprain of the left ankle but was cleared to play Wednesday and went through a team workout. Trestman said there were no problems with Cutler's ankle after the practice.

Cutler is in his fifth year in Chicago after playing his first three NFL seasons in Denver. He is 1,963-of-3,220 passing for 23,224 yards, 149 touchdowns and 108 interceptions in 101 NFL games.

The Bears head into the Cleveland game tied with Detroit for first in the NFC North with 7-6 records while Green Bay is right behind at 6-6-1. The Browns are 4-9 this season.