LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- As the Chicago Bears (2-4) enjoy their bye weekend, here are five things to watch for when the team returns to practice on Monday:

1. Can Jay Cutler finish strong? Cutler’s consistent play is the most encouraging storyline of the season. He finally looks comfortable with both the system and the coaching staff. The 32-year-old quarterback has kept his poise in four and a half games, despite the Bears suffering key injuries at wide receiver and on the offensive line.

Now, Cutler still has five turnovers, so there is definite room for improvement. However, Cutler is playing like a guy who wants to be here next year -- and $10 million of his 2016 salary is already guaranteed. It's unknown if Cutler is in the Bears' plans for next season, but at this rate, there should be a trade market for Cutler's services, at the very least.

Jay Cutler's play this season has been a big positive. Matt Marton/USA TODAY Sports

2. Receivers to the rescue: The Bears believe Alshon Jeffery's performance against the Lions (eight catches, 147 yards and a touchdown) is a sign of things to come. “I think we saw specifically what he can do in last week’s game,” receivers coach Mike Groh said. “We expect more of that, that’s for sure. This is a good fit for him offensively, the things that we do from a schematic standpoint.”

As long as Jeffery is healthy for the final 10 games, the Bears will be better offensively. The week off also allows Eddie Royal to rest his injured ankle. Royal played at less than full strength in Detroit, but should be more effective next weekend against the Vikings.

3. The fate of Kyle Fuller: The Bears desperately need Fuller to force turnovers. The 2014 first-round draft pick had four interceptions and three forced fumbles in his rookie year, but has made zero impact plays through six weeks. Fuller has been repeatedly burned in pass coverage for touchdowns.

Expectations for Fuller are higher than, say, for Tracy Porter or Sherrick McManis, who have also struggled at times. Even if Fuller somehow recovers, the Bears probably want to invest a high draft choice next year on a cornerback.

4. The Kevin White timetable: On the physically unable to perform list, White (stress fracture/surgery) is expected to accompany the team on road trips after the bye. White’s rehab is on schedule, and there’s a chance he will be medically cleared by the end of Week 11.

At that point the Bears must decide whether to activate White for the final five games, or wait until next year. Regardless of how the rest of 2015 plays out, the Bears still view White as a major part of their future.

5. The trade deadline: It’s been quiet since the Bears traded Jared Allen and Jonathan Bostic in late September. With the NFL trade deadline set for Nov. 3, the Bears will no doubt listen to offers for key players.

Of course, general manager Ryan Pace isn’t simply going to give assets away. It will take the proper amount of compensation for the Bears to move players they don’t consider part of the future plan. But the Bears need to stockpile draft picks. It’s naïve to think the Bears won’t be open for business if the right team calls.