Bears' Orton doubtful; Grossman prepares to start
Sports Network | November 07, 2008
Lake Forest, IL (Sports Network) - Chicago quarterback Kyle Orton was limited in practice Friday because of an ankle injury and is listed as doubtful for the Bears' home game against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.
Rex Grossman took reps with the first-team offense while Orton sat out both Wednesday's and Thursday's practice sessions.
Orton had to be carted off the field in last Sunday's 27-23 win against the Detroit Lions with a right ankle injury that was originally thought to have sidelined the signal-caller for up to a month. The injury appears to be less severe and is being labeled a sprain.
Grossman, who took over for Chicago under center in the second half and guided the team to two touchdowns -- including a one-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to win the contest -- will look to make his first start since a December 6 loss to Washington last season. In that contest, Grossman went down with a knee injury that allowed Orton to start the final three games and grab the starting role this season.
Orton was 8-for-14 with 108 yards along with a rushing touchdown in the game before leaving and is enjoying a breakout season for the Bears (5-3) with 1,777 yards and 10 touchdowns with four picks and a 61.9 completion percentage.
Grossman finished the game 9-for-19 with 58 yards, one touchdown and one interception in his only action of the season thus far.
Cornerback Charles Tillman was limited in Friday's practice session with a shoulder injury and is now questionable for Sunday.
Chicago also lost safety Mike Brown to a calf injury late in the Detroit game and he is listed as probable. Linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer has a thumb injury that limited him in two practice sessions this week and is also probable.
