Orton, Kuper Dodge Injury Bullets

Denver Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton holds his right hand as he walks off of the field after being injured during an NFL preseason football game against the Chicago Bears in Denver on Sunday, Aug. 30, 2009. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

Some unofficial good news out of Dove Valley Monday – the injuries that quarterback Kyle Orton and right guard Chris Kuper sustained during Sunday night’s loss to Chicago appear to be relatively minor, and both starters could possibly be available for the regular season opener in Cincinnati on September 13th.

It’s possible they won’t be available as well, but the fact that a quick turnaround is even possible after what looked like two potentially extensive side-linings is encouraging.

Orton bloodied his right index finger in the second quarter after banging it into another player’s helmet. Head Coach Josh McDaniels told reporters after the game Sunday that the finger wasn’t fractured, but that they were going to continue with further tests. Today, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Orton suffered a strained/partially torn tendon in the finger, but should be good to go two Sundays from now.

Meanwhile, Kuper suffered an ankle injury (or, a “lower extremity injury,” as the Broncos’ medical staff would say) in the first quarter and did not return. Kuper had X-rays that returned negative, which is a positive sign (confused?). He’ll undergo more tests, including an MRI, but word is he’s optimistic to play by the opener as well. After playing with a broken hand twice last season, there’s no doubt Kupe is tough as nails and will pull through if needed.

I, for one, breathed a huge sigh of relief at these pieces of news. Finish the preseason healthy, Denver.