Newsmakers
Questionable The status of Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler going into the weekend remains uncertain because of a concussion, although coach Lovie Smith said he is optimistic about Cutler’s return. Cutler, who missed Monday night’s 32-7 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, is listed as questionable against the Minnesota Vikings.
• San Francisco coach Jim Harbaugh said he expects quarterback Alex Smith to be medically cleared to play in time for Sunday’s game at New Orleans. Still, the 49ers coach has not announced his starting quarterback. With Smith sidelined by a concussion, Colin Kaepernick had an auspicious starting debut, passing for 243 yards and two touchdowns with a QB rating of 133.1 to lead the 49ers to a 32-7 victory over Chicago on Monday.
• Also in the NFL: Linebacker Sean Weatherspoon and cornerback Asante Samuel returned to practice in a limited role for the Atlanta Falcons. Both players are listed as questionable for Sunday’s game at Tampa Bay. … The San Diego Chargers have placed left tackle Jared Gaither on injured reserve, ending an unproductive season for a player expected to shore up a shaky offensive line. … For the first time in seven weeks, Troy Polamalu was on the practice field with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The four-time All Pro safety is considered doubtful for Sunday’s game at Cleveland. … The Minnesota Vikings will likely be without wide receiver Percy Harvin for Sunday’s game at Chicago. He was unable to practice Friday. … The Oakland Raiders will be without running backs Darren McFadden and Mike Goodson and defensive tackle Richard Seymour for the third straight game when they play at Cincinnati.
Suspended Morehead State suspended basketball coach Sean Woods for one game after he pushed an Eagles player during a loss at No. 8 Kentucky.
Recovered After recently spending two nights in the hospital with undisclosed stomach issues, Lindsey Vonn said Friday she’s healthy enough to race in one of the two World Cup ski races in Aspen, Colo. The four-time overall champion will compete in the giant slalom today, but skip the slalom Sunday.