Bears: 'Well-respected' Mike Glennon can handle demotion to 2nd string

Bears: ‘Well-respected’ Mike Glennon can handle demotion to 2nd string

By Patrick Finley

Chicago Bears’ Mike Glennon throws before the Packers game on Thursday. (AP)

The Bears praised quarterback Mike Glennon’s team-first attitude when they guaranteed him $16.5 million in March.

They still believe that, even though he’s not their starting quarterback anymore.

Glennon will become the backup when rookie Mitch Trubisky makes his first career start Monday against the Vikings, John Fox told the team’s official radio show Monday. Mark Sanchez will remain the third-stringer.

The Bears had little choice but to make Glennon their No. 2

quarterback. His woeful performance — he went 93-for-140 for 833 yards and four scores in four games — all but eliminated any trade value before the Oct. 31 deadline. Cutting Glennon accomplishes little, financially or otherwise. The Bears have been clear that Sanchez was on the roster for his wisdom.

“He’s a captain on our football team; he’s well-respected in that locker room.” Fox said of Glennon. “I know he’s going to handle it as well as anybody could possibly handle it.”

Fox was clear, though: Glennon’s turnovers were the main reason for the change. He threw five interceptions and had three fumbles.

In the losses to the Buccaneers and Packers, he had four turnovers in the first quarter alone.

“It’s not a huge sample size,” Fox said. “We didn’t give ourselves a chance in two games. . . . And we have to change that. Is it all his fault? No. But he did have his hand in it, and now we’re gonna see how Mitchell does.”

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Email: pfinley@suntimes.com