Grossman expects to start for Bears

Nov 8, 2008 - 4:53 PM LAKE FOREST, Illinois (Ticker) -- It appears all but certain that Rex Grossman will start at quarterback when the Chicago Bears host the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.

Starter Kyle Orton has been listed as doubtful with a high-ankle sprain, though he's insisted all week that he may take the field against the unbeaten Titans (8-0).

Bears' coach Lovie Smith has yet to name his starter, but Grossman told the Chicago Tribune late Friday that he is expecting to get the nod.

"They didn't tell me anything, but in my mind, I'm playing," said Grossman, who has not started for the Bears since December 6. "I would be shocked not to."

Initial reports indicated Orton could miss a month after suffering the ankle injury in last week's 27-23 win over the Detroit Lions. While he may not miss that much time, Orton was clearly limited in what he could do during practice this week.

The frequently maligned Grossman replaced Orton in the second half against the Lions and led the Bears to a pair of second-half touchdowns.

Grossman, who was the starter during the Bears run to Super Bowl XLI, was benched as Chicago's starter after three games last season and beaten out by Orton for the starting job this year during the preseason.

Orton, who previously started for Chicago during his rookie season in 2005, has played well this season for the first-place Bears, completing 151-of-244 passes for 1,777 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Chicago (5-3) has a one-game lead over Minnesota and Green Bay in the NFC North.