Jason Campbell Replacing Jay Cutler For Monday Night Football

Jay Cutler suffered a concussion during an illegal hit by Houston Texans linebacker Tim Dobbins on Sunday, a concussion that will keep Cutler out of Monday Night Football. Cutler will be replaced by backup quarterback and recent acquisition Jason Campbell during the teams MNF match against the San Francisco 49ers.

Following Cutler’s hard hit on Monday, the Bears QB continued to play for seven more downs before being ruled out during halftime. Dobbins, in the meantime, was fined $30,000 for his illegal hit.

Speaking of his chance to take over the Chicago Bears offense, Campbell said:

“It feels good to get back in there and play, but you never want to have the opportunity to play because of someone’s injury. But we understand the position we play, those things occur sometimes.”

Campbell last played for the Oakland Raiders on October 16, a game in which he broke his collarbone.

Speaking of the 49ers, Campbell told reporters:

“It’s a tough opponent we have Monday night. No one said it’s going to be easy, but we have to go there and fight together and we have to play as a unit. You have to let it hang out in a game like this. We have all the respect in the world for the 49ers and what they do, especially on the defensive side of the ball. It’s a big part of the reason why they were in the NFC Championship Game a year ago. Utmost respect. We understand it’s going to take a total team effort.”

With a 7-2 record, Campbell has some pretty big shoes to fill as he takes over for Jay Cutler. Specifically of concern will be the chemistry between Bears star receiver Brandon Marshall and the team’s backup quarterback.

Unlike the Bears that collapsed after a Cutler injury last season, Jason Campbell is a veteran QB who will likely stand up to the pressures of the NFL.

During the second half of Sunday’s game against the Texas, Campbell was 11 for 19 with 94 yards and one rushing attempt past five yards. From 2006 through 2011, Campbell started in 70 games with the Washington Redskins and Raiders.