Orton Expects To Play Sunday

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Nov 13, 2008 4:55PM

Could our long, municipal nightmare soon be over? After just one-and-a-half games, might Rex Grossman return to clipboard duty while Kyle Orton lines up under center this coming Sunday? Possibly. While the initial diagnosis on Orton's sprained ankle suggested the Bears starting QB might miss a month, he resumed practicing this week, splitting snaps with Grossman in practice on Wednesday. So that's a good sign, right? Orton was optimistic when asked by the media about his chances, "I'm preparing like I am [playing]," Orton said. "Just going to go from there, day in and day out."

Coach Lovie Smith has been more guarded on the status of Orton and which direction he intends to go when the Bears head north to the "frozen tundra" of Lambeau Field and a key divisional match-up against the Packers. We'd take a gimpy Orton over a healthy Grossman any day. [Ed's Note: Jeez, Bears fans. At least Rex led you to a Super Bowl. Try living through the Aaron Brooks Era. - M.G.] If Orton wants to play and can deal with the pain, we want to see him out there for his first Lambeau start. Even at 50%, we believe he gives the Bears a better shot at making it to 6-4 on Sunday.

AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast