Bears don’t say much about acquiring McNabb

Chicago native Donovan McNabb was released by the Vikings on Thursday, leading to speculation that the Bears might be interested in signing the 35-year-old quarterback to back up Caleb Hanie.

Coach Lovie Smith didn’t care to comment on that possibility after Thursday’s practice, though.

“He’s been a great player in the league,” Smith said, “but I don’t speculate on anything else besides that. Great guy, but (I) don’t know any more about it than what you’re telling me now, really.”

The Vikings traded for McNabb on the eve of training camp this year to serve as a bridge to rookie Christian Ponder. But the Vikings started 1-4, and McNabb was benched at halftime of the Week 6, 39-10 loss to the Bears on Oct. 16. He hasn’t taken a snap since.

“I think he can still play if he chooses, if he wants to play again,” Vikings coach Leslie Frazier said. “I’m not sure that’s what he wants to do.”

Before he was benched, McNabb completed 94 of 156 passes (60.3 percent) for 1,026 yards with 4 TDs, 2 interceptions and a passer rating of 82.9.

Injury update:Nose tackle Anthony Adams, who was inactive last week, missed Thursday#146;s practice with a strained back.Wide receiver Devin Hester missed part of practice due to a court appearance related to the incident in which he was slapped in the head at Rivers Casino in Des Plaines last month. Cornerback D.J. Moore (ankle) was limited, while cornerbacks Charles Tillman (knee) and Zack Bowman (groin) were full practice participants.Enviable access:The Bears are opening their training facilities to the public for a rare glimpse inside the organization as a way to benefit The Gridiron Alliance.On Dec. 9, from 6-8:30 p.m., current and former Bears greats, ownership and front-office executives will mingle with donors who purchase $125 tickets that will benefit The Gridiron Alliance. The charitable organization is dedicated to improving the lives of former high school athletes who were catastrophically injured playing sports.The #147;Holiday Huddle at Halas Hall,#148; includes photo opportunities with players, guided tours of the training facility, including the indoor practice field; cocktails, hors d#146;oeuvres and an auction of memorabilia.For additional information or to purchase tickets, go to www.GridironAlliance.org.