LAKE FOREST, Ill. – When it comes to switching teams and dealing with the high expectations that come with being a franchise quarterback, Brett Favre can empathize with what Jay Cutler is experiencing.

“I have been in that situation at different times in my career,” said Favre, who has played for the Jets in 2008 and now the Vikings this year after spending 16 illustrious seasons with the Packers.

Jay Cutler and the Bears have dropped five of their last six games to fall to 4-6.

“I know for Jay the expectation level was high, as it would have been in Denver. It comes with a lot of extra baggage, being the star quarterback. So I’m sure he felt the pressure as we all should at that position to [not only] put up big plays and good numbers, but more importantly wins.”

Cutler and the Bears have struggled in their first season together. He has thrown a league-high 18 interceptions in 10 games, matching his total from all of last year, for a team that has lost five of its last six contests. Still, Favre thinks that the marriage will ultimately be a happy and successful one.

“They picked him up for a reason,” Favre said. “I think he’s damn good. I think he will be good and he’ll be fine. I know he knows that, and I’m sure to a certain extent that’s what Donovan [McNabb] may have been talking to him about at the end of the [Bears-Eagles] game the other day.

“Physically-speaking, [Cutler] is as good as any guy in the league. Mentally, you’ve got to have a lot of resolve to begin with, and I know he does. So he’ll be fine and that team will be much better off with him than without him.”

Status up in air: Vikings running back Adrian Peterson did not practice Friday and was listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Bears due to an ankle injury and an unspecified illness.

Peterson entered the season having rushed for more yards (554) and touchdowns (8) against the Bears than versus any other team.

“He’s had great games against us,” said coach Lovie Smith. “We’ve seen him at his best. When guys have good games against you like that, you are anxious to play them again.”

Peterson, who ranks third in the NFL in rushing with 999 yards and 11 touchdowns on 205 carries, possesses tremendous natural ability, speed and strength.

“That’s something you’re born with,” said Bears offensive coordinator Ron Turner. “Obviously you can coach a guy and teach a guy to become a little bit better than what they are and get the most out of them, but he is unbelievable.”

Measuring up: ESPN’s Adam Schefter thinks that Peterson is the best running back in the NFL, but he’s not yet on par with Bears legend Walter Payton. In answering a question about whether Peterson is already better than Payton, Schefter wrote on ESPN.com: 

“It’s a little early to say that, but check back in 10 years. Adrian Peterson—if he takes care of himself, if he stays healthy, if he continues to evolve as an all-around player—has a chance to be in that conversation and a chance to be mentioned right there with Sweetness. It’s just premature to do it now. Adrian Peterson is the best running back in the game today and might be the best player in the league. But he’s not Payton—not yet.”

Sack attack: Bears defensive end Adewale Ogunleye has registered 65½ sacks in nine NFL seasons, but he has yet to sack Favre in eight games against the future Hall of Famer.

“I’m hoping [for the first one], but right now I would trade all the sacks for a win,” Ogunleye said. “We’re pretty optimistic over here. We’re still upbeat in that locker room. That’s all that counts right now. But the biggest thing for me is to get some wins.”

Aches and pains: Bears tight end Desmond Clark (neck) is not expected to play Sunday after sitting out practice Friday and being listed as doubtful on the injury report.

Clark would be replaced by second-year pro Kellen Davis as the No. 2 tight end behind Greg Olsen. In that role last Sunday, Davis scored the Bears’ only touchdown on a 15-yard pass from Cutler in a 24-20 loss to the Eagles.