Spotlight turns to Hanie
The Bears have no easy solutions if Jay Cutler misses extended time because of a thumb injury.
Cutler's primary backup, Caleb Hanie, never has started a regular season game in his four-year career. Third-string quarterback Nathan Enderle is a rookie who has not appeared in a game.
Yet Hanie and Enderle might be asked to do more because Cutler reportedly could miss six to eight weeks because of a broken thumb on his throwing hand. The Bears did not confirm or deny reports about Cutler's thumb injury Sunday, but the team could offer details Monday when coach Lovie Smith is scheduled to meet with the media at Halas Hall.
During Smith's postgame interview following the Bears' 31-20 win against the San Diego Chargers, he acknowledged only "bumps and bruises" besides a knee injury to Patrick Mannelly. Cutler addressed reporters but did not disclose any details about a possible injury.
Hanie could start in one of the NFL's most hostile environments if he is pressed into No. 1 duty next weekend. The Bears will visit the Oakland Raiders, whose fan base is among the rowdiest in sports.
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During an interview with the Northwest Herald in August, Hanie acknowledged that some fans preferred a veteran backup quarterback. Yet the 25-year-old who is in his fourth NFL season said he felt as if he were becoming an NFL veteran even if his playing time was limited.
“I don’t know what constitutes a veteran these days,” Hanie said. “Three-plus years of service, you figure you’d get some respect as a veteran guy.
“But I feel like a veteran is viewed as someone who has playing time. Even if they have two years’ [experience], if they’ve played 10 games and started 10 games, people will say he’s a veteran before a guy who’s played three [years] and hasn’t played any games.
“I feel like I’m getting there. Hopefully, the Bears will stick with me, and I’ll do what I can do.”
-Tom Musick
