"Timing is everything. It looks as if Donovan McNabb's availability came too late for the Bears.

They would have loved to have drafted the former Mount Carmel star in 1999 and might have acquired him in 2009 when it appeared McNabb was on the outs in Philadelphia. But now that McNabb is a free agent after going unclaimed on waivers Friday, the Bears' aren't interested. At least coach Lovie Smith isn't.

''I like our quarterbacks we have,'' Smith said when asked Friday if he had any interest in McNabb, who was waived by the Vikings on Thursday. ''We like them. We're anxious to play Kansas City this week.''

Caleb Hanie will start against the Chiefs on Sunday at Soldier Field. Rookie Nathan Enderle will back him up. Luke McCown, who was signed last week, is still getting the rust off after having thrown six passes in the last four seasons.

''He's making progress,'' Smith said. ''Two weeks here, that's about where he is. And he's doing a good job with some of the [scout-team] reps. He's able to run the no-huddle offense for our defense [Friday].''"