Few people would dispute that Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Hanie has played poorly enough in his four-game stint to merit a search for better options. Bears coach Lovie Smith apparently agrees, as Jeff Dickerson of ESPNChicago.com reports.

Veteran Josh McCown will get the first practice repetitions this week, according to Dickerson, and probably would have to have a horrible week not to start Sunday night against the Green Bay Packers. McCown hasn't started a game since 2007 and has appeared in only four games in the past four years, but the Bears don't have many options.

You could make a reasonable argument that, at the end of what appears to be a lost season, rookie Nathan Enderle might be a better choice. McCown, after all, was coaching high school football earlier this fall and is highly unlikely to return next season.

But however unlikely it might seem, the Bears are not yet eliminated from playoff contention. I'm guessing Smith would have a tough time conceding that possibility by starting a rookie who, as the No. 3 quarterback, has gotten almost no practice repetitions with the Bears offense this fall.

If the Bears are officially eliminated this weekend, which would happen if they lose to the Packers, Enderle would seem like the better option for their Week 17 game at the Minnesota Vikings. More to come, I'm sure.