It's not often Chicago has a quarterback controversy. You need two to have a dilemma and the Bears historically are lucky the years they have one worth fussing over.

But what they've got now isn't choosing between Craig Krenzel and Chad Hutchinson, or Shane Matthews and Cade McNown midway through a dead season. The Bears initially expected Jay Cutler, left, to miss at least four weeks with his groin injury. AP Photo/Mike Roemer

One week after being lights out during a relief appearance in Washington, Josh McCown very possibly saved the season in Green Bay on Monday night. The offense looked more certain as the game progressed, and increasingly confident, surely emboldened by the fourth-down conversion late.

But Jay Cutler, the closest thing the Bears have had to a franchise quarterback since Jim McMahon was traded away 25 years ago, reportedly says he's healthy enough to come back now, to practice this week and start Sunday against the Lions.

The Bears, considering they still have to figure out what to do about Cutler long term, need him to play as many snaps as he can the remainder of the season. Signing a quarterback to a $100 million deal is only the most important decision a franchise can make.

So there's the immediate matter of what's in the best interest of beating the Lions ... and the big-picture concern of what's in the best interest of the franchise not just now but for the next four to five seasons. And it's not an easy call.

McCown helped lay 41 points on the Redskins, then threw a pair of touchdowns to help beat the Packers. McCown has thrown three touchdowns in those two games, no interceptions and has a passer rating of 100.2. He's rushed five times (three of them for first downs) for 53 yards. McCown hasn't fumbled. He's decisive with the ball, has taken just two sacks and generally makes you wonder whether the Bears are better suited to face the Lions with Cutler back in the lineup or with McCown staying in the lineup.