Cutler thrives after getting pounded

The harder the Falcons hit Bears QB Jay Cutler on Sunday, the more productive he became. Associated Press

Quarterback Jay Cutler has earned a reputation for not only being able to withstand big hits, but to perform even better after getting knocked around -- as he did against the Falcons.

"I think it's just stupidity at this point," Cutler joked.

On the first play after getting his head bounced off the artificial turf at the Georgia Dome on Sunday, Cutler hit Brandon Marshall for a 7-yard gain. The first time he was sacked in Atlanta, the Bears faced a third-and-15, but Cutler hooked up with Alshon Jeffery for 19 yards. The next time he was sacked it left the Bears with a third-and-7, but Cutler completed a 15-yard pass to Marshall.

Turning serious, Cutler explained his mindset when it comes to staying on the field whenever possible.

"I know how importance it is to the rest of the guys in the huddle," Cutler said. "I don't want to let them down. I don't want to let the coaches down. I don't want to miss any plays because I know those guys in front of me and those guys on the outside, they'd do the same thing for me."

Cutler was asked how wife Kristin Cavallari feels about the shots he takes.

"She's not crazy about it, by any means," he said. "I don't think anybody's wife in the locker room is crazy about the hits or the profession that we're in. But she knows well enough that it's not going to change any time soon."

Just an aberration:

Right tackle Jordan Mills was limited Thursday because of the foot injury that required surgery after the 2013 season, and he did not play well last week, getting flagged for 2 false start penalties and allowing a sack.

But Bears offensive coordinator Aaron Kromer said the second-year player won't lose his job because of performance.

"Jordan Mills has played 20 good football games for us," Kromer said. "He came in as a rookie and had a very good year and was having a good year this year. He didn't have his best game (Sunday). He's the first to tell you.

"But) he came back and really worked hard at the things that were holding him back. With any lineman, it's footwork, it's hand placement, it's getting off on the snap and when you get out of sync, like a golfer gets out of sync sometimes, it's hard to get back. So a player has to have a reset button. He's been a solid player for us for a long time."

Injury update:

Linebacker Lance Briggs (ribs) and safety Chris Conte (shoulder) were the only Bears who did not practice at all Thursday.

Linebackers Jon Bostic (back) and D.J. Williams (neck) and offensive tackle Jordan Mills (foot) got limited work. Offensive tackle Jermon Bushrod (knee/ankle), linebacker Shea McClellin (hand) and cornerback Sherrick McManis (quad/knee) were full participants.

Waiving good-bye:

Center / guard Taylor Boggs was waived off injured reserve with an injury settlement. He appeared in five games over the last two seasons, including four this year.