Forgotten Orton hopes he will get another chance
With the possibility of being the backup to starter Rex Grossman this week if Brian Griese isn't a viable option because of his sprained left shoulder, Kyle Orton could have his best shot at playing since 2005.
As a rookie that season he started 15 games -- 10 of which the Bears won -- after Chad Hutchinson played his way from starter to unemployed and Grossman missed most of the season with a fractured ankle.
But Orton hasn't taken a snap since his rookie season.
"It's been hard," he said. "(You) just keep your nose down and keep on coming to work and trying to prepare like you're going to play. And when it doesn't happen, and next week comes around, you just do the same thing. It's not an easy situation to be in, but it is what it is."
Despite the game-day inactivity, Orton believes he's better now than when he was playing every week.
"I'm two years older," he said. "I'm just two years better. Physically I'm in better shape, mentally I'm a better player, and I throw the ball better. I had two years to improve, and hopefully I get the chance to show it some time."
Orton took some snaps Wednesday, when Griese didn't practice. Griese was limited during Thursday's practice, but the Bears aren't likely to announce their quarterback rotation until Sunday.
"We'll just continue to hit the practice field and see how the guys play," coach Lovie Smith said. "We'll make those decisions a little bit later."
By now, Orton knows the drill.
"I just wait for them to tell me and prepare every week like I always see the field," Orton said. "I haven't been able to play yet, but if the opportunity comes, I'll definitely be ready and play well."
Injury update: Defensive tackle Tommie Harris (knee) was the only player on the active roster who didn't participate to some extent in Thursday's practice, although he is expected to start Sunday.
Quarterback Brian Griese (shoulder), linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer (foot), cornerback Nate Vasher (groin), offensive tackle Fred Miller (ankle), safety Brandon McGowan (elbow) and defensive tackle Darwin Walker (knee) were all limited in practice. Vasher is not expected to play.
Fan favorites: Return specialist Devin Hester is 10th among all NFL players in fan balloting for the Pro Bowl with 249,212 votes. Teammate Brian Urlacher (150,922) leads all NFC inside linebackers, and Tommie Harris (96,227) is ahead of all NFC interior defensive linemen. No other Bears lead the voting at their respective positions. Fan balloting counts one-third toward the selection of the Pro Bowl team along with players' and coaches' voting.
No place like home: Since Week 16 of the 2002 season, the Seahawks are tied with the Colts and Patriots for the NFL's best home record at 31-7.
Qwest Field is generally considered the loudest venue in the NFL, and in their past 21 home games, the Seahawks have benefited from 63 false-start penalties by their opponents. Seattle led the NFL in opponents' false-start penalties in each of the past two seasons, with 24 in 2005 and 26 in 2006.
Sweating to the oldies: The music wafting into the locker room from the weight room Thursday was a little disconcerting.
A back-to-back-to-back triple play featured Cyndi Lauper and a pair by Tears for Fears.