The Facts: There has been an increased sense of optimism this week that Cutler (groin) is on track to the return to the field sooner than originally expected.

Diehards Line: Although he's ruled out for tonight's game against the Packers, Cutler, who was expected to miss a minimum of four weeks, said on Tuesday that his goal is to return to action before the four-week timetable. Teammate Brandon Marshall went as far as to say this week that Cutler's "worse-case scenario" would be to sit out one game and be back in time for the Bears' November 10 home game against the Detroit Lions. This report of increased optimism lends further credence to Marshall's contention.