Bears QB Orton hopes play against Packers

Nov 11, 2008 - 12:10 AM LAKE FOREST, Illinois (Ticker) -- Chicago Bears quarterback Kyle Orton is optimistic that he will be able to play in this week's important NFC North contest against the Green Bay Packers.

Orton has been sidelined since spraining his right ankle against the Detroit Lions on November 2, but he continues to make progress and was the emergency third quarterback in Sunday's 21-14 loss to the undefeated Tennessee Titans.

"I certainly can't predict the future, but I think I've got a real good chance to play," Orton said Monday at the team's practice facility.

Orton tested the ankle Sunday and determined that he was not ready.

"Coach (Lovie Smith) gave me up until (Sunday) morning to decide and he said the decision was mine," Orton said. "I just didn't feel like I could help in any way. I feel like if I can help next week, I'd definitely be out there."

Prior to getting injured, Orton, who won the starting job from Rex Grossman in preseason, had energized the Bears' passing game. He has completed 151-of-254 passes for 1,777 yards with 10 touchdown passes and four interceptions.

Grossman made his first start of the season against the Titans and completed 20-of-37 passes for 173 yards with a touchdown and interception.

Initial reports indicated that Orton could miss up to a month, but an MRI exam last Monday revealed no fracture and he showed improvement last week.

"It hurts when you put pressure on it and hopefully we'll just continue to make the same amount of improvement this week and have a great chance to play this weekend," Orton said.

The Bears (5-4) are tied for first place with Minnesota (5-4) in the NFC North - one game ahead of the Packers (4-5).