[CBFF] Off-season forecast for Griese: Hazy -- chicagotribune.com - Sent Using Google Toolbar

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Off-season forecast for Griese: Hazy -- chicagotribune.com




www.chicagotribune.com/sports/cs-071231chicagobearsbits,1,1286760.story
chicagotribune.com
Off-season forecast for Griese: Hazy
Signed through 2010 but knows he's low man on depth chart

By Vaughn McClure

Tribune staff reporter

10:13 PM CST, December 31, 2007



Quarterback Brian Griese had one answer to any speculation about his
future with the Bears.

 "Well, I have a contract [through 2010]. As far as I'm concerned,
yeah, I expect to be here," he said. "But who knows? You never know
what's going to happen in the NFL."

 Coach Lovie Smith insisted he would like to maintain the status quo,
for the most part, heading into next season. But the Bears are highly
unlikely to keep the quarterback situation as is — especially with
Donovan McNabb's name being floated about.

 Smith gave Kyle Orton a vote of confidence for the way Orton
performed in the last three games. Rex Grossman wants to be
appreciated and have the opportunity to be the starter once again.

 Griese's name hasn't been a serious part of the conversation since he
sprained his left shoulder against the Raiders in November, although
he made a cameo appearance against the Redskins.

 "Was the injury serious? No," Griese said. "I would have been able to
play if I was called upon. Decisions are made.

 "It was a frustrating year for everybody, so obviously there was
frustration. The only thing I could do in getting through the latter
part of the season was try and help Kyle as much as I could."

 Of course, Griese would like the chance to play, but he's not
uncomfortable with the role of mentor.

 "I've been in this situation before," he said. "I'm going to help
Kyle as much as I can. He has a chance to be a great player. He can be
a starter here, no doubt. He can be a starter anywhere he wants to be.
At the same time, he has a lot of work to do. Nothing's guaranteed."


Age just a numberRuben Brown, the Bears' 35-year-old veteran guard,
said he was making a quicker-than-expected return from season-ending
left shoulder surgery.

 Asked about his future with the Bears, Brown sounded willing to
accept whatever offer the team would be willing to give. He was signed
through this season.

 "I don't know what they're going to do," Brown said. "I can't say 100
percent. They know I'm ready and willing whenever they call — if
they're willing to keep an old guy around.

 "I'd like to play another year. I like the team. I like the town. If
they offer me [a contract], I don't think we'll have any problems with
any money issues. It's just if they feel it's time to keep me or time
to develop younger guys."


Caught in the draftThe Bears have the 14th overall pick in the 2008
draft based on their 7-9 finish. They tied with the Detroit Lions but
received the higher pick based on two losses to the Lions this season.

 With the 14th pick in the '04 draft, the Bears snatched Pro Bowler
Tommie Harris out of Oklahoma. Bust Michael Haynes was the Bears' 14th
overall pick in '03.

 The Miami Dolphins have the top pick.


Extra pointsHarris is likely to have minor surgery to clean up his
sprained left knee. Right tackle Fred Miller will have a procedure on
his ankle. ...

 The Chicago chapter of the Pro Football Writers of America selected
linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer as the winner of the 2007 Good Guy
Award. ...

 The Bears announced the signing of four practice-squad players to
reserve/future contracts: offensive lineman Tyler Reed, safety Leonard
Peters, guard Mike Jones and running back P.J. Pope.

Copyright (c) 2007, Chicago Tribune