Report: Hoyer to undergo surgery on broken arm, out at least 8 weeks

Chicago Bears quarterback Brian Hoyer is set to undergo surgery on his broken left arm and will be forced to miss at least eight weeks, a source told ESPN's Adam Caplan.

Hoyer was forced to the sidelines in Thursday night's loss to the Green Bay Packers, his fifth consecutive start in place of an injured Jay Cutler.

The eight-week timetable falls in line with the absence required of players placed on injured reserve, so it can be considered likely the Bears will go that route and free up a roster spot over the next two months.

It remains to be seen whether the Bears would use their lone IR activation to have Hoyer return for the final two games of the season.

Chicago has an extended week of preparation before taking on the Minnesota Vikings next Monday night. The hope will be that Cutler is cleared to return from his thumb injury and step back into the starting role, but a clear timeline for the veteran's recovery has yet to be established.

Matt Barkley would get the start and the Bears would have to add another quarterback as a backup in the event that Cutler needs another week before getting back on the field.