Orton says he'll play in Broncos' season opener

Sep 09, 2009

A day after returning to practice for the first time since dislocating a knuckle on the index finger of his throwing hand on Aug. 30, quarterback Kyle Orton said he expects to play in Sunday's season opener at Cincinnati.

"I'm preparing that I'm going to play. No question about it," Orton said before practice today. "(I'm trying) to take as many reps as I can this week in practice to get ready, and be ready to go on Sunday."

Stitches remain in Orton's finger because the knuckle broke through his skin when he dislocated it. During practices he's donning a protective glove to help keep the wound closed. He said the glove helps his grip, but also hinders throwing because of too much grip.

"I don't know if I'll do that on Sunday or not, but right now that's the best way for me to go," he said.

If Orton is unable to play, Chris Simms will start at quarterback. Simms returned to practice Sunday from a high-ankle sprain.

Fantasy Impact:

today

Buccaneers WR Mike Evans practices for second straight day

Greg Auman

0 minutes ago

Cooler weather for Bucs practice today -- Wirfs and Evans practicing again. Still no Zyon McCollum, but Troy Hill and Greg Gaines were practicing today.

Related Players: Sterling Shepard, Jalen McMillan, Trey Palmer

Fantasy Impact:

Fantastic news for fantasy managers hanging on to Mike Evans: he should be considered a WR1 option immediately.

yesterday

49ers TE George Kittle "good to go" for Week 12

KNBR

yesterday · 5:34 PM EST

“I will be playing on Sunday. Very excited, can’t pass up playing the Packers. I will be out there for sure.”

George Kittle says he’s good to go for Sunday

Related Players: Eric Saubert

Fantasy Impact:

Kittle returns to a great matchup against a Packers defense that ranks 26th in TE aFPA. He should be fired up as a high-end TE1 once again.

Bears RB D'Andre Swift misses Wednesday practice

Kevin Fishbain

yesterday · 1:29 PM EST

Per Bears head coach Matt Eberflus: Ryan Bates remains in the concussion protocol. Elijah Hicks (ankle) and D'Andre Swift (groin) won't practice.

Teven Jenkins will be limited.

Related Players: Roschon Johnson, Travis Homer

Fantasy Impact:

This is definitely a situation to keep an eye on, as Johnson would have a huge workload if Swift were to miss Week 12. Homer has three rush attempts and zero targets on the year.