Bears Expected to Sign George

Jeff George plans to return to the NFL with the Chicago Bears, who hope the 36-year-old quarterback can strengthen an offense that lost Rex Grossman to a season-ending knee injury two months ago.

George hasn’t played since the 2001 season when he was cut after two games with the Washington Redskins. He intends to sign with the Bears today, a team source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said.

George is expected to sign a one-year deal. He told the Chicago Tribune he would be happy with whatever role he plays on the team and already has been studying its playbook.

“It’s really all the same protections and pass routes after running 10 different systems in 13 years,� he said. “I really believe I can be ready to play in a couple of days.�

Earlier this season, the Bears tried out Tim Couch, but did not sign the former Cleveland and Green Bay quarterback.

As the league’s No. 1 overall pick in 1990 out of Illinois, George flashed a strong arm, but was just 46-78 as a starter.

George was drafted by Indianapolis and played with the Colts from 1990-93. He was in Atlanta from 1994-96, then spent two seasons with Oakland and one with Minnesota before joining the Redskins in 2000, first as a backup. He was signed by Seattle as insurance midway through the 2002 season, but didn’t play.

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Tennessee Titan quarterback Steve McNair hinted Sunday that his 10th season in the NFL could be his last.

“In the off-season I’m going to take a long look at what I’m going to do,� McNair said after the Titans wasted an 18-point lead in a 31-21 loss to the Houston Texans. “I just have to evaluate myself. I’ve taken a beating the last five or six years. I need to look at what’s best for my health and myself and this ball team.�

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Sunday’s key injuries:

* NFL career rushing leader Emmitt Smith managed only three carries for Arizona for 21 yards before leaving Sunday’s game against the New York Jets because of a sprained left big toe.

* Buffalo running back Travis Henry broke his right leg.

* Miami linebacker Zach Thomas sat out most of the game at San Francisco because of a hamstring injury.