Jay Cutler has displayed an ability to take command of the Bears offense.
Could he do the same with the composition of the team’s 53-man roster?
Of course, players don’t make personnel decisions, but Cutler’s voice is sure to be heard when it comes to the receivers.
“If they don’t ask me [my opinion], I’m going to tell them what I think,” he said Wednesday. “I have to be the one throwing to them on game day. I have to trust them. But [offensive coordinator Ron Turner] and I have been on the same page since the start of training camp with what guys we wanted to see work in with me.”
Cutler gets a chance to evaluate his receivers against an opponent Saturday night when the Bears visit the Buffalo Bills. Coach Lovie Smith said the starters should play into the second quarter of the exhibition.
“Preseason is preseason,” Cutler said. “You want to get your work done and get out as fast as possible without getting anybody hurt. We’re going to get some quality work in, but we don’t want to overdo it.”
Injury report: Danieal Manning reinjured his hamstring stripping a ball from Greg Olsen Tuesday night and sat out practice. Olsen is dealing with a little bit of a hip strain. Jamar Williams (shoulder), Zack Bowman (hamstring) and Charles Tillman (back surgery) all were out. Desmond Clark was given the day off. Tommie Harris (knee) suited up but was limited again, while Ervin Baldwin (elbow) and Joe Clermond (shoulder) returned to practice.
Extra points: Frank Omiyale started practice with the first team at left guard and at one point was next to Josh Beekman as Beekman lined up at center. … Rookie Al Afalava continued to get first-team reps at safety with Manning out, while Corey Graham filled in at nickel. …
Smith on Hunter Hillenmeyer not being one of the top three listed at strong-side linebacker on the depth chart: “We just ran out of space, really. No more than that. The depth chart does not mean a whole lot right now.”
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vxmcclure@tribune.com
