Orton unsure, hopeful to play in Broncos’ opener

Kyle Orton, seen here chatting with Josh McDaniels, is wearing a protective glove over his right hand during practice. (John Leyba/Denver Post)

Yesterday, Kyle Orton returned to the practice field for the first time since suffering a finger dislocation on August 30th. Today, the Denver Broncos quarterback said he is doing everything he can to play in the team’s season opener against the Bengals in Cincinnati.

“I’m preparing that I’m going to play. No question about it,” Orton said in a press conference before practice Wednesday. “(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.”

Orton is wearing a glove on his right hand to protect his injured index finger. The knuckle on this finger required stitches after the dislocation forced the bone to poke through the skin.

Orton admitted that the injury and the glove affect his grip and his throw. He said he hopes to play without the glove on Sunday.

While the fifth year quarterback is giving it his best shot, he also made it clear that he can’t guarantee anything at this point. A setback – such as a reopening of the stitched wound – would delay his return for some time.

Orton told reporters that, ultimately, Head Coach Josh McDaniels will have to make the call.

“It’s still on ongoing process and it will be something Coach has to decide, but I’m going to do everything I can (to play),” Orton said. “Everybody wants to play opening day, obviously, and I’m no different. I want to get out and compete and do everything I can do to help this team win.”

Backup Chris Simms, also recovering from injury, would start in Orton’s place if the starting signal caller couldn’t go Sunday.

Orton says he’ll play in Broncos season opener [Denver Post]