National Football League

Bears QB Cutler shops with girlfriend

Published Jan. 27, 2011 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

The saga continues for Jay Cutler.

The Chicago Bears quarterback was caught by TMZ's cameras Wednesday as he walked in Los Angeles with his girlfriend, former MTV reality star Kristin Cavallari.

The much-maligned Cutler did not appear to be limping, after taking heavy criticism for sitting out the second half of the Bears' NFC Championship Game loss to Green Bay on Sunday.

The 27-year-old signal-caller was diagnosed with a Grade 2 tear of the MCL in his left knee on Monday.

People with such injuries typically complain of instability in the knee when they attempt to cut or pivot, Dr. Jonathan Cluett wrote for About.com. There is increased pain and swelling than a Grade 1 injury, and 3-4 weeks of rest is suggested, Cluettt wrote.

The TMZ cameraman did not ask Cutler about his injury, but Cavallari — who starred on the "The Hills" — asked him to leave them alone while they shopped.

Many NFL players have questioned Cutler's toughness, saying he should have played through the injury in the crucial contest. But Bears coach Lovie Smith and several teammates defended Cutler, saying his injury was serious and team doctors would not allow him to play.