Bears rule out Cutler, Forte

Bears quarterback Jay Cutler and Matt Forte have been ruled out for Sunday's regular season finale against the Minnesota Vikings.

The Bears placed both players on injured reserve Tuesday, thus ending their season. Cutler has missed the past five games because of a broken right thumb, while Forte has missed three consecutive games because of a sprained knee.

If not for a five-game losing streak, including a 35-21 loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 16, the Bears might have brought both players back for Sunday's finale against the Vikings. But the Bears (7-8) have been eliminated from playoff contention and have no reason to risk a long-term setback to their two most important players on offense.

Josh McCown is expected to make his second consecutive start at quarterback against the Vikings. Meanwhile, Kahlil Bell likely will receive the bulk of the work at running back after his impressive performance against Green Bay.

-Tom Musick