Bears expected to bench Grossman

CHICAGO -- Rex Grossman reportedly will be benched by the Chicago Bears for Sunday’s game at Detroit, with Brian Griese starting at quarterback. Citing unidentified sources, NFL.com, the Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Sun-Times reported Tuesday that the beleaguered Grossman would sit when the Bears (1-2) visit the Lions (2-1).

The Bears would not confirm that any decision has been made, saying only that Coach Lovie Smith would be available for his regular news conference today.

Grossman threw three interceptions as the Bears lost to the Dallas Cowboys, 34-10, on national TV on Sunday night. The following day, Smith, who usually gives Grossman full support, instead said: “Will Rex Grossman start Sunday? Well, our evaluation process is going on right now, and if you come out to practice Wednesday, you’ll have a better idea of who will be starting at all positions.”

Grossman has struggled ever since February’s Super Bowl, when he threw two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown. This year, he ranks 23rd in the league with 500 yards, has a 45.2 rating and is 47 of 89 (52.8%) with a league-leading six interceptions and just one touchdown.

Now in his fifth pro season, Grossman has been inconsistent as Chicago’s starter, but he did get the team to the Super Bowl last season.

Griese, a 10-year veteran, was a Pro Bowl pick with Denver in 2000. He has passed for 16,564 yards, but has also been released three times -- by the Broncos, Miami and Tampa Bay.

“I have confidence in our entire football team,” Smith said Monday.

“Brian is a part of that. After you have a loss like that, we all feel bad. We should.”