LAKE FOREST, Ill. – If all goes according to plan for the Bears this season, the only game action that backup quarterback Caleb Hanie will see will involve handing off and taking a knee to wrap up lopsided victories.

If that is indeed how it plays out, the extended playing time that Hanie is expected to receive in Thursday night’s preseason finale against the Cleveland Browns will represent his final chance to hone his skills before a long layoff.

Caleb Hanie is expected to play most of Thursday night's game against the Browns.

“You want to have a good last outing just to kick you into the year with confidence,” Hanie said, “and just to solidify everybody’s thoughts and your thoughts about yourself.

“I just want to keep progressing and keep playing solid and trying to get better every week. That’s the goal, but this week being the last preseason game, I especially want to get ready for the year.”

Hanie has played well in the Bears’ first three preseason games, completing 22 of 37 passes for 255 yards with 1 touchdown, no interceptions and an 89.4 passer rating.

“The biggest things that have impressed me have been his poise, his confidence, his ability to manage the game and his decision-making,” said offensive coordinator Ron Turner.

Hanie hopes to perform Thursday night at Soldier Field as well as he did in the preseason opener in Buffalo when he connected on 8 of 11 passes for 87 yards with 1 TD and a 125.9 passer rating.

The second-year pro likely will enter the contest following a cameo appearance by Jay Cutler and the No. 1 offense. 

“I’m definitely looking forward to it,” Hanie said. “It’s another chance to get out there and progress and get better and solidify a role on the team.”

In 2008, Hanie became the only undrafted rookie free agent to make the Bears’ opening-day roster after passing for 321 yards and 3 touchdowns in the preseason. A year later, the 6-2, 225-pounder from Colorado State is firmly entrenched as the team’s No. 2 quarterback.

“Every time [Hanie] has played, he’s played well for us,” said coach Lovie Smith. “I think he has full command of our offense. He’s a mobile guy also as we’ve talked about Jay. He can make plays and he’s a tough guy. It’s no secret that we like him. I think he will be a good player in the league.”

With a full year in the system, Hanie is much more prepared to play than he was heading into his rookie campaign.

“I’m a lot more comfortable; [it’s like] night and day,” he said. “Last year in my rookie season you’re still learning the offense and still adjusting to the speed. I’m continually adjusting to the speed, but I think I’ve caught up a lot more and feel a lot more comfortable and confident in there. 

"I’ve gotten a lot more confident in my reads and progressions. I’ve adjusted well to the game so far.”