National Football League

QB McCown has first workout with Bears

Published Nov. 24, 2011 8:22 p.m. ET

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New Chicago Bears quarterback Josh McCown hasn't take an NFL snap since 2009, but familiarity with offensive coordinator Mike Martz may help him get quickly up to speed.

McCown worked out with the Bears for the first time Thursday, hours after agreeing to a one-year contract as a backup quarterback following last Sunday's injury to starter Jay Cutler.

''A lot of the stuff is very similar, there's little wrinkles here and there over the years as things change,'' said McCown, who worked with Martz in 2006 in Detroit. ''It's a quarterback friendly system.''

A 32-year-old veteran of eight NFL seasons, McCown took snaps during the 2-hour plus Thanksgiving drill, conducted under overcast skies and brisk conditions at the Bears' Halas Hall training center.

Wearing a No. 15 orange jersey, McCown alternated with new Bears' starter Caleb Hanie and rookie reserve Nathan Enderle during offensive drills.

The Bears tabbed McCown when their top waiver choice - Kyle Orton - was claimed by Kansas City on Wednesday. Orton played for Chicago from 2005-08 and was traded to Denver prior to the 2009 season.

''I knew my situation, wanting to play again, was going to come on the heels of somebody getting hurt,'' McCown said. ''You hate to see that happen, but at the same time with the familiarity with Mike's offense I knew there there was a possibility that we could get a call.''

McCown previously played with the Cardinals, Lions, Raiders and Panthers. He's appeared in 47 games -- starting 31. He's completed 610 of 1,058 passes for career 6,584 cards, including 35 touchdowns and 40 intersections through 2009.

His best season came with the Cardinals in 2004 when he completed 233 of 408 attempts for 2,511 yards, with 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

McCown spent 2010 with the Hartford Colonials of the United Football League, was cut by the 49ers prior to the 2011 season and most recently coached quarterbacks at a North Carolina high school.

''Some of the things (I learned) even though it's high school football, when you're on that side coaching the kids and seeing it from a coach's perspective, I think it's good,'' he said. ''I think it will help me.''

Hanie, a 26-year-old fourth year pro out of Colorado State, will make his first career start on Sunday at Oakland. He's appeared briefly in two games this season. In 2010 he was pressed into service in the NFC championship game against Green Bay following a Cutler knee injury.

Hanie should have wide receiver Devin Hester available as a target. Hester was held out of Thursday's practice as a precaution.

''Really it's just some soreness right now, so we kept him out to be ready to go Sunday.'' Bears coach Lovie Smith said. ''(Cornerback) D.J. Moore (ankle injury) is getting better, still not looking good for him this week.''

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