BOURBONNAIS, Ill.—The Chicago Bears are waiting to hear from 15-year veteran Todd Collins on whether or not he is interested in signing with a chance to become their backup quarterback.

A need suddenly arrived after backup Caleb Hanie suffered a sprained AC joint in his right shoulder in Saturday’s preseason opener at San Diego. Hanie was sacked by Chargers linebacker Antwan Applewhite, who drove his right shoulder into the ground. An MRI was performed and Hanie said there is no structural damage. He’s out for Saturday’s preseason meeting with the Oakland Raiders at Soldier Field, but how long he’ll be sidelined remains to be seen.

Collins has to weigh whether or not he believes it will be a legitimate opportunity. The last thing a 38-year-old wants to do is sign for three weeks of preseason and then be cut.

Hanie is confident he will remain as the No. 2 behind Jay Cutler, but keep in mind that offensive coordinator Mike Martz lobbied for an experienced backup all offseason.

“I’m not worried about losing the No. 2 job,” Hanie said. “I feel like I have done enough to earn that position and what I have is not a season-ending injury, not even half season, not even beginning of the season. I am definitely not worried about losing that position if that’s what people are wondering.”

Collins spent eight seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs where he played in virtually the same offense that Martz was running in St. Louis. It’s believed he’s seeking advice from Dick Vermeil on the matter.

Collins spent the previous four seasons with the Washington Redskins, coming off the bench in 2007 to lead them to a victory over the Bears at FedEx Field.

Rookie sixth-round draft pick Dan LeFevour has struggled for the Bears. He hasn't been given a lot of practice time so it was expected that he would be shaky against the Chargers. He followed that up with five interceptions in practice this afternoon.

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