Probable. Could play. Expected. And even expected to be probable.

The speculatory words used to describe Orton’s playing status tomorrow versus Green Bay shouldn’t inspire much confidence that the scruffy signal caller will actually take the field.

Orton is recovering from an ankle injury suffered two weeks ago, originally believed to be a high-ankle sprain. When it looked as if he’d be sidelined for at least a month, Orton didn’t think he’d miss one game. Well, he did, and such is the conflict between optimism and reality. Here’s to his return tomorrow belonging to the latter.

Two days after we dared to wonder why Brandon Lloyd was still inactive, and would be ballsy (or unballsy) enough to say he’s waiting to be 100 percent, the Sun-Times is putting it out there: the Bears coaching staff is displeased with Lloyd’s lengthy recovery.

Depending on how much stock you put into the word on the street, Lloyd was ready to play last Sunday versus Tennessee, but instead, was sat by the team as punishment for possessing the pain tolerance of a Laguna Beach actor cast member. (more…)

Never did I ever think I’d write the following sentence:

Certainly, there are more pressing needs facing the Bears right now than the play of wide receiver. Brandon Lloyd can’t play cornerback, rush the passer, or return a kick for six for Devin Hester.

Nonetheless, through four games he looked as close to a true number one receiver as the Bears have had this year. So getting him back on the field wouldn’t hurt.

The only problem is, Lloyd wants to wait it out until he’s 100 percent. Since when did any professional footballer play at 100 percent? (more…)

If you’re one of the 50 or so Sexy Rexy fans left, you’ll be thrilled to learn that the infamously inconsistent quarterback is starting the second half of today’s game.

Kyle Orton has been taken to the locker room after injuring his lower leg attempting to dive for a first down. The injury occured with less than one minute remaining in the first half. As Orton dove, Lions defensive end DeWayne White fell on top of him and Orton’s cleat appeared to get awkwardly caught on White’s kneepad.

Orton’s listed as questionable to return. Grossman, on the other hand, has already overthrown Devin Hester and tossed up another wobbly overthrow on third down. Fans are literally shaking their heads and the boo birds are in full force. More to come.

First-round pick T Chris Williams feels he is ready to play, just 12 weeks removed from surgery to repair a herniated disc. The only problem is John St. Clair is already the team’s left tackle and with him on the line, pass protection has been superb.

If you remember correctly, back in April, Williams was touted to be the team’s franchise left tackle who could start right away. I don’t think GM Jerry Angelo and the boys envisioned right away might have meant at least eight games into the season.

That’s not to say Williams will start, or even be considered to, Sunday versus Detroit. Still, if the Bears brass are taking votes as to when he should play, I’d cast mine for 2009. (more…)

Lost in yesterday’s Chicago Tribune article describing how new acquisition Terrence Holt is well-traveled, is a blurb mentioning how the Bears were considering Ty Law as an option for their injured secondary.

Law, most famous for his ability to intercept passes at critical times, already has 13 seasons under his belt — 10 1/2 of which were good. Now he wants to return for his 14th year.

The Bears are reeling from injuries to their secondary, including to starters Peanut Tillman and Nathan Vasher, and back-ups nickelback Danieal Manning, cornerback Zack Bowman, and safety Brandon McGowan. (more…)

Take a good look at the photograph to your right. Isn’t it ironic, don’t you think so?

I’m sure if the Detroit Lions realized how little the fortunes of the franchise would be swayed by the four gentlemen standing here in 2004, they probably would have skipped the press conference all together.

Now, four years later and with only the two guys holding jerseys still left in the NFL, the Bears travel to the Motor City to take on the Lions in their first matchup of 2008. (more…)

Often when a challenge is issued against an opposing force and the challengers appear to be ill-equipped or under-manned, the question is posed, “Oh yeah? You and what army?”

Well, Lions secondary — meet the Bears’ army.

Thanks in part to the release of Mark Bradley and injuries sustained by Brandon Lloyd and Marty Booker, — Lloyd is out for sure, Booker is a maybe — the Bears could very likely go into Sunday’s game at Detroit with only Devin Hester, Rashied Davis, and Earl Bennett at the wide receiver spots.

Brian Kelly, feel free to shake in your respective boots cleats.

Of course, Brandon Rideau would surely be bumped up to active roster if Booker is a no-go. Recently re-signed Mike Hass could be also. But, that is not enough to think — even for a minute — that the Bears won’t run the ball 40-plus times on Sunday. (more…)

While we’re not quite ready to compare Tommie Harris’ character to misfit and surplus gun owner’s Tank Johnson’s, his recent behavior does seem out of sorts for a man who is generally regarded in the league as a good guy.

Harris has been plagued by a left knee injury for the better part of a year now and it’s starting to show, along with his frustration and irritability toward the matter.

He has been nearly non-existent this season with only two tackles, and was literally non-existent last week due to injury. Well, now thanks to violating team policy, Harris will be out this Sunday against Detroit too. And that earns him one comparison to Johnson: the latest Chicago Bear to be suspended for conduct detrimental to the team. (more…)

If being out for the entire season with ligament damage in his left ankle wasn’t bad enough, the league has fined safety Brandon McGowan $5,000 for a late hit which occured during last Sunday’s loss at Carolina.

McGowan had began the season as a starter before losing his job to the next big thing, Kevin Payne, after one game.

It’s McGowan’s last year under contract, but the Bears showed in the case of Mike Brown, they’ll stick behind their oft-injured safeties. If they’re good.

Now that’s what I call adding insult to injury [applause].