Brett

Basanez

He’s ahead of last year’s fourth-round pick Stefan LeFors, although preseason play may decide his fate. The Northwestern grad went undrafted after a fine college career.

The undrafted rookie saw third-QB competitor Stefan LeFors complete 8-of-13 passes for 66 yards. Basanez should play in Carolina’s next game.

Basanez’s accuracy and smarts seemed a good fit in Mike Martz’s offense at first glance, but he lacks the arm strength to make the necessary 20-yard dig throws. The Bears will move forward with Dan LeFevour at third string.

Basanez cleared waivers and was placed on injured reserve. Wrist/hand injuries are nothing new for the former Northwestern Wildcat, who missed all of the 2007 season with a similar problem. It’s unknown if the two are related.

Basanez, who the Panthers have remained high on since he went undrafted in 2006, was injured in Saturday’s preseason game. He was their third QB.

Had Basanez not gone on injured reserve early during training camp with an injury to his wrist that ultimately required surgery, Matt Moore likely would’ve never been on the team. Basanez and Moore should battle for backup duties behind Jake Delhomme this offseason. David Carr is likely to be cut.

Basanez, who was stashed on I.R. in 2007 with a minor injury, will have a chance to settle in as the emergency QB this year if Carolina is happy with Matt Moore in the No. 2 slot. Basanez has been a solid practice performer.

A Mel Kiper favorite entering the 2008 draft, Hanie wasn’t picked but earned the No. 3 job behind Kyle Orton and Rex Grossman with a terrific preseason. The club is taking a risk promoting Hanie, but he has an NFL-caliber arm.

Brett Basanez never really came close to taking the job away from Hanie. It’s worth noting that Hanie has never taken a regular season snap in his career but has good mobility and says he is finally grasping the offense.

They’re keeping only Caleb Hanie behind Jay Cutler. Basanez completed 86.7 percent of his preseason passes for 195 yards (13.0 YPA), one TD, and no interceptions, so the Bears will likely stash him on the practice squad.