Nam Y. Huh/Associated Press

Bears quarterback Jay Cutler strained his hamstring when he attempted to make a tackle following an interception during Chicago's game against Arizona in Week 2. He didn't play in Week 3.



However, Chicago declared that Cutler is officially active to face the Oakland Raiders in Week 4.

Fox Sports' Jay Glazer reported prior to kickoff that Cutler's return for the Bears is "much earlier than they thought." He also noted that Cutler is "gutting it out" because the hamstring is still not 100 percent healthy.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported earlier that the "risk of re-injury is [an] issue."

In two appearances this season, backup quarterback Jimmy Clausen has completed 23 passes for 184 yards and one interception.

While Cutler did lead the league in interceptions last season (tied with Philip Rivers at 18), he also threw for 3,812 yards and a career-high 28 touchdowns. The raw talent has never been in question for the former Vanderbilt Commodore with impressive arm strength, but he only has one trip to the postseason since he entered the league in 2006.

The Bears are loaded with offensive playmakers in Alshon Jeffery, Matt Forte, Martellus Bennett and Eddie Royal, but they need their quarterback out there and healthy to distribute the ball.

Chicago was not expected to contend for a postseason spot this year in a loaded NFC North, but head coach John Fox boasts six division championships and two conference championships on his resume.