QB Kyle Orton's Status Still a Mystery

Dec 18, 2010

The reason for the Denver Broncos’ quarterback mystery is the uncertainty of Kyle Orton’s injury.

It’s not like the Broncos’ coaching staff necessarily prefers that rookie Tim Tebow replace Orton this Sunday against the Oakland Raiders in the Black Hole.

The question is whether Orton can play because of severely battered ribs. He essentially didn’t practice this week. Then again, Brett Favre often didn’t practice during the past two to four years of his regular-season start streak that finally ended at 297 games.

Orton said Wednesday he expected to play against the Raiders and expected to play well. And his ribs hurt then. But perhaps the pain didn’t subside as he had hoped.

This is truly a Saturday night/gametime decision.

One possible scenario is Orton starts but if it becomes obvious his ribs hinder his throwing, interim coach Eric Studesville replaces him with Tebow.

Fantasy Impact:

Orton has been in a funk and many fantasy owners have sent him to the sidelines. With Tebow looming either as a possible starter or relief pitcher, no one should have Orton in their lineup tomorrow.

yesterday

Update on Gardner Minshew: Broken collarbone, out for season

Ian Rapoport

yesterday · 7:57 PM EST

A quick update on Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew: he suffered a broken collarbone against the Broncos and is out for the season.

Fantasy Impact:

We had just posted the quote from head coach Antonio Pierce, saying it didn’t look good. It turned out it wasn’t good. Minshew looked like he was in a lot of pain after taking the his late in the game. Now we have an understanding of that pain. Desmond Ridder came on in relief and the team is expected to activate Aidan O’Connell this week from injured reserve. The Raiders visit Kansas City on Friday.

Antonio Pierce on Gardner Minshew injury: ‘It doesn’t look good.’

Adam Schefter

yesterday · 7:53 PM EST

Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce said “It doesn’t look good” in regards to the shoulder injury to quarterback Gardner Minshew.

Fantasy Impact:

Minshew went down late in the game against the Broncos after taking a sack and looked to be in quite a bit of pain. He’ll undergo further testing to determine the severity of the injury.

Desmond Ridder came on in replacement. He went 5-of-10 for 64 yards and was sacked twice. If Minshew is to miss time, which looks very likely, the Raiders may look to see what they have in the former Falcons quarterback. Vegas is also expected to have Aidan O’Connell back this week. The Raiders are on a short week as they head to Kansas City on Black Friday.

Romeo Doubs ruled out with concussion

Green Bay Packers

yesterday · 6:48 PM EST

Packers WR Romeo Doubs was ruled out of Sunday’s game against the 49ers with a concussion.

Fantasy Impact:

Doubs suffered the injury while attempting a catch in the end zone and landing hard on the back of his helmet. Doubs will not return tonight and it’s almost certain he’ll be ruled out for Thursday night against the Dolphins. If that’s the case, his next chance to return would be the following Thursday against the Lions.