Back from concussion, Cutler will start Sunday

Former Bears quarterback Jay Cutler was released from the NFL’s concussion protocol Wednesday, took part in practice and will start for the Dolphins on Sunday against the Broncos.

Cutler missed the Dolphins’ game Sunday against the Patriots with a concussion and missed a game earlier in the season because of cracked ribs. How does he feel?

‘‘ Pretty good, thank you,’’ said Cutler, who indicated the ribs are no longer an issue but declined to discuss the concussion.

Cutler ranks 34th in the league in yards per pass attempt with a career- worst 5.9, but he wasn’t in any mood to reflect on his season or on the Dolphins’ five- game losing streak.

‘‘ I’m not really concerned with it,’’ he said. ‘‘ I think everyone is just focused on trying to win one game.’’

Rivers calls out Giants

Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers called the Giants’ decision to bench quarterback Eli Manning in favor of Geno Smith for their game Sunday against the Raiders ‘‘ pathetic, really.’’

‘‘ The guy, he’s been out there 210 straight games with no telling how many bumps and bruises and injuries for his team,’’ Rivers said of Manning. ‘‘ Won two Super Bowls. The respect he’s had in the locker room over the years — really, the respect he’s gained throughout the league — you feel like the guy has earned the opportunity, if they are deciding to go another direction [ after the season], to finish off these last five weeks.’’

Brady misses practice

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady sat out practice with what the team said was an Achilles tendon injury. He missed a practice with the same injury last week.

Brady, 40, has started all 11 games this season. He hasn’t missed a game because of an injury since 2008, when he suffered a season- ending knee injury in Week 1.

Freeman cleared to return

Falcons running back Devonta Freeman cleared the NFL’s concussion protocol after missing two games and might return Sunday against the Vikings.

Sun- Times wires