(MCT) — The Bears prepared for the possibility of not having Jay Cutler versus the 49ers when they re-signed veteran Josh McCown on Tuesday, as expected.
Cutler’s status for the Monday night game remains uncertain. If the Bears err on the side of caution, Cutler probably won’t make the trip to San Francisco. Jason Campbell would start in his place at quarterback, with McCown as the backup because the only other quarterback in the locker room — rookie Matt Blanchard — is on the practice squad.
McCown, whom the Bears released after the preseason, was in a similar circumstance this time last year. The Bears signed him in November fresh off a high school coaching gig after Cutler was lost for the season following thumb surgery.
“This is like deja vu all over again,” McCown told ChicagoBears.com. “I’m very excited and I’m very thankful to have another opportunity to come back and have the chance to be around these guys. I’m really glad to be here. I have so much respect and love for this organization.”
On the run: Former Bears running back Kahlil Bell, who visited the Texans and Packers last week without signing a contract, inked a deal with the Jets on Tuesday after visiting their facility. He would have visited the Giants later in the week if he hadn’t signed with the Jets.
The Bears first released him Aug. 23 after making a trip to East Rutherford, N.J., for an exhibition with the Giants. He was re-signed Sept. 15 after Matt Forte suffered an ankle injury and then released again Oct. 15.
During his visit to Houston, the Texans asked Bell what would be the best way to beat Cutler and the Bears offense on Sunday. Bell didn’t divulge much info but did suggest the Texans sit in a Cover-2.
It was an understandable suggestion, but the Texans fooled Cutler at times with different looks.
Baby talk: Much was made of cornerback Charles Tillman possibly missing Sunday’s game against the Texans for the birth of his fourth child. Well, the baby waited until he finished the game.
Tillman and wife Jackie welcomed their third daughter Monday.
On Tuesday, Tillman tweeted: “Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers ... wife and baby are doing great.”
Tillman simply wanted to make it clear that family is his priority over football, particularly after his daughter, Tiana, was born with an enlarged heart and had to undergo a heart transplant.
Extra points: The Texans-Bears “Sunday Night Football” broadcast was the most-watched show in America. NBC led the night among viewers in prime time with 17 million topping the 12.4 million for second-place Fox. NBC also won the night among the major broadcast networks in households and all key adult, male and female demographics. ... WCIU-Ch. 26 will broadcast pre- and postgame shows Monday night.
