ducks
11-28-2004, 03:20 PM
Source: Bears intend to sign quarterback Jeff George
By RICK GANO, AP Sports Writer
November 27, 2004
CHICAGO (AP) -- Struggling desperately at quarterback, the Chicago Bears intend to sign veteran Jeff George, a team source said Saturday night.
The Bears will sign George on Monday, the source said on the condition of anonymity.
The 36-year-old George is a 12-year veteran who has not played since he was released by the Washington Redskins in 2001.
ADVERTISEMENT
Chicago's quarterback woes began in the third week of the season when starter Rex Grossman sustained a season-ending knee injury. Backup Jonathan Quinn struggled and was replaced by rookie Craig Krenzel.
The Bears went on a three-game winning streak with Krenzel as a starter, but he was shaky and turnover prone as Chicago lost its last two games. Krenzel was knocked out of Thursday's loss to Dallas with a sprained ankle, and Quinn was ineffective again as his replacement.
The Bears (4-7) are expected to turn to third-stringer Chad Hutchinson on Monday and give him the start on Dec. 5 against the Minnesota Vikings. Hutchinson is a former major league pitcher with the St. Louis Cardinals who started nine games as a rookie with the Cowboys in 2002.
Earlier this season, the Bears gave a tryout to former Browns and Packers quarterback Tim Couch before deciding not to sign him.
George, who played college football at Illinois, entered the NFL in 1990 with the Colts. He also played with the Falcons, Raiders, Vikings and Redskins. He completed 58 percent of his passes during a 131-game career, throwing for 154 touchdowns with 113 interceptions.
ESPN.com first reported the signing late Saturday.
By RICK GANO, AP Sports Writer
November 27, 2004
CHICAGO (AP) -- Struggling desperately at quarterback, the Chicago Bears intend to sign veteran Jeff George, a team source said Saturday night.
The Bears will sign George on Monday, the source said on the condition of anonymity.
The 36-year-old George is a 12-year veteran who has not played since he was released by the Washington Redskins in 2001.
ADVERTISEMENT
Chicago's quarterback woes began in the third week of the season when starter Rex Grossman sustained a season-ending knee injury. Backup Jonathan Quinn struggled and was replaced by rookie Craig Krenzel.
The Bears went on a three-game winning streak with Krenzel as a starter, but he was shaky and turnover prone as Chicago lost its last two games. Krenzel was knocked out of Thursday's loss to Dallas with a sprained ankle, and Quinn was ineffective again as his replacement.
The Bears (4-7) are expected to turn to third-stringer Chad Hutchinson on Monday and give him the start on Dec. 5 against the Minnesota Vikings. Hutchinson is a former major league pitcher with the St. Louis Cardinals who started nine games as a rookie with the Cowboys in 2002.
Earlier this season, the Bears gave a tryout to former Browns and Packers quarterback Tim Couch before deciding not to sign him.
George, who played college football at Illinois, entered the NFL in 1990 with the Colts. He also played with the Falcons, Raiders, Vikings and Redskins. He completed 58 percent of his passes during a 131-game career, throwing for 154 touchdowns with 113 interceptions.
ESPN.com first reported the signing late Saturday.