Bears’ backup quarterback remains in doubt

LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- The Chicago Bears settled one issue this week when they named Rex Grossman their starting quarterback. Another one still remains unclear.

Who will be his backup at Seattle on Sunday?

It could be Brian Griese, the man who replaced Grossman earlier this season. Or it could be Kyle Orton, the man who filled in for him in 2005 but hasn’t played since.

Either way, Coach Lovie Smith would not provide an answer on Friday.

Asked if he had decided on a backup, Smith said, “No. They’re getting better. We’ll let that go all the way down to [game time].”

Benched after throwing six interceptions and just one touchdown in the first three games, Grossman got another chance at Oakland last week and helped the Bears beat the Raiders, 17-6. He came in after Griese went down with a sprained left (non-throwing) shoulder and threw a go-ahead 59-yard touchdown pass to Bernard Berrian late in the game, but there were also some cringe-worthy moments.

Grossman fumbled his first exchange with center Olin Kreutz, revisiting an old problem, and his numbers weren’t great: 7 of 14 for 142 yards.

Grossman has completed 52 percent of his passes with two touchdowns and six interceptions. Griese has been slightly better, completing 62 percent while throwing nine touchdowns and 10 interceptions.