AP

The Bears didn’t waste any time in ruling quarterback Jay Cutler out for this week’s game against the Rams and the quarterback threw cold water on hopes that he’d be back in the near future during a radio interview later in the day.

Cutler was making his regular weekly appearance on ESPN 1000 in Chicago and said that talk of a return for the team’s December 1 game against the Vikings remains premature. Cutler revealed that there are concerns about ligament damage that go beyond his high ankle sprain, which is why he’s wearing a cast and why he’s without a clear idea of when he’ll be able to return.

“There are a couple of ligaments that we’re a little worried about that’s different than the normal high ankle sprain,” Cutler said. “There are a few other things involved. If I just had a normal high ankle sprain, I wouldn’t be in a cast. [A cast] helps it scar up and stuff, but the normal high ankle sprain isn’t really a concern at this point.”

Josh McCown has filled in capably for Cutler and his presence makes it easy for the team to avoid the temptation to put Cutler back into the lineup any sooner than necessary.