The quarterback will sit out the game with a concussion after being sacked nine times in the first half of last Sunday’s loss to the Giants.

“He’s making progress,’’ coach Lovie Smith said. “All we know right now is he’s not playing this week. Hopefully, he’ll be ready to go next week.’’

Cutler is among several players who have had to sit out at least one game with a concussion, including fellow QBs Kevin Kolb and Matt Moore.

Cutler was examined by team and independent doctors after practicing on a limited basis Wednesday, and the decision was made to have him sit this week. He went through another limited practice yesterday and declined comment afterward. He is also expected to practice today, and have his status re-evaluated next week.

Veteran Todd Collins, who took over to start the second half against the Giants and left with a stinger, will make his first start in three years.

“I’m pretty comfortable,’’ said Collins, a Walpole native. “The best way to provide leadership, I think, is to go out there and perform well. That’s the job as the quarterback, to move the ball and score points. That’s what I’m going to try to do to help lead the team.’’

Collins said Smith told him late Thursday morning that he would be starting, news that he was expecting.

“Jay went down with a concussion, and usually with concussions, they want you to come back fully ready before you get on the field again,’’ he said.

This will be the first time Cutler has missed a start because of an injury. He had made 57 in a row since Denver turned to him as a rookie in 2006.

Delhomme sustained a high ankle sprain in the season opener Sept. 12. He has been inactive the past three games, but said he was able to move better during practice on Wednesday, and as long as he doesn’t have any setbacks, he’s hoping to face the Falcons.

Delhomme said it will be up to Cleveland’s coaches if he plays, but the 35-year-old took snaps with the starting offense during the portion of practice open to reporters yesterday.

Seneca Wallace has filled in for Delhomme the past three weeks.

Jenkins wrote on his Facebook page last night that he has “decided to give it one more shot.’’

He tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his surgically repaired left knee in the season opener against Baltimore. He had surgery to repair the latest injury last week. The 10-year veteran tore the same ACL midway through last season.

Jenkins says he will wear knee braces in the future, doesn’t care who disagrees with his decision, and is “crazy enough to pull it off.’’