Orton trying to work his way to No. 2 spot

BOURBONNAIS -- Bears third-string quarterback Kyle Orton took a good chunk of the second-team snaps during Wednesday's 3 p.m. practice and continued to look sharper than second-stringer Brian Griese -- as has been the case throughout camp.

But offensive coordinator Ron Turner cautioned against jumping to any conclusions.

"There's nothing to read into that at all, other than the fact that Kyle's playing well," Turner said. "He had a great off-season, and (he's) having a good camp.

"It's things you do; you get all three guys reps. Brian's our No. 2, he's getting the majority of reps with the second group, (but) Kyle got some today."

After being force-fed 15 starts as a rookie in 2005 because of injuries -- and winning 10 of those starts -- Orton was buried behind Rex Grossman and Griese last season.

His response then wasn't ideal, but he's back with a vengeance this year. No one's saying he can't move up to No. 2 eventually.

"It's great just to get back into a competitive situation," the former fourth-round pick said. "Last year when I came into camp, I knew where I was going to be. I knew I was going to be a three. I probably didn't take that the best way, but this year I just took it upon myself to just try to make it a competition and see where it falls."

Familiar form: Defensive coordinator Bob Babich says he's satisfied with the mental and physical condition of Lance Briggs, even though the Pro Bowl linebacker missed all of the Bears' off-season activities and the first two days of training camp.

"It shows the maturity level that Lance has evolved to," Babich said. "Lance wasn't with us for six months or whatever it was. He was on his own. He took care of business. He came back in, and he hasn't missed a beat. We feel real comfortable with his reads, his movement, the shape that he's in. That's excellent."

Briggs had threatened to stay away indefinitely when he failed to get the long-term contract he desired, but Babich is relieved Briggs showed up in plenty of time to prepare for the season.

"Lance is a great football player," Babich said. "Obviously, I think an awful lot of him. I've been with him the last three years in the meeting room every day, and we've grown together as a coach and as a player. He's helped me become who I am, so he has a special place in my heart. We have to win games, and he's going to help us do that."

Injury report: Defensive tackle Tommie Harris, wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad and wide receiver Devin Hester all were rested during Wednesday's practice. "They're working through some minor things right now," coach Lovie Smith said. "Nothing serious. Tommie for sure will practice (today); Devin should too. We may keep Moose out another day."

Two rookies -- running back Garrett Wolfe (hamstring) and defensive end Dan Bazuin (left knee) -- also missed practice, as did defensive tackle Antonio Garay (left quad).

Getting smoked out: In order to comply with the Smoke-Free Illinois Act, smoking will be prohibited at Soldier Field during all Bears home games beginning with the Aug. 25 preseason game against the 49ers.

There will be no designated smoking areas inside or outside Soldier Field, and re-entry is prohibited for those who choose to exit the stadium premises to smoke. Violators of the strictly enforced policy are subject to ejection from the stadium; repeated violations can result in the loss of a patron's personal seat license and forfeiture of season-ticket privileges.