Former Colorado St. Rams quarterback Caleb Hanie is unlikely to be back with the Chicago Bears in 2012 after head coach Lovie Smith indicated that he wants to upgrade the backup position behind former Denver Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler (via the Chicago Sun-Times):
‘‘We need to get ourselves in a better position at the backup quarterback position,’’ Smith said. ‘‘We have a lot of options out there. I think this is an attractive place for a quarterback. We’re going to look at all people. And I’m talking Caleb, Josh and free-agent quarterbacks out there. I just feel like we’ll be able to strengthen that position more than we were [last] year.’’
Though he mentioned Hanie as possibly returning, Smith is being diplomatic, just as John Fox is being with Brady Quinn.
Hanie fell victim to being forced into the starting lineup after Jay Cutler broke his thumb and was lost for the season. He completed 51 percent of his passes, but threw just three touchdowns to nine interceptions (three interceptions each in three games).