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Orton Beats Grossman In Battle To Start For Bears

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The Associated Press

Published: August 19, 2008

LAKE FOREST, Ill. - Kyle Orton was selected to be the Chicago Bears starting quarterback by Coach Lovie Smith on Monday.

Orton won the competition with Rex Grossman for the starting job.

Orton, the fourth-year player from Purdue, will start Thursday's third preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers and the Sept. 7 regular-season opener against the Indianapolis Colts.

"I think I've just continued to get better in the preseason - in the games and in practice - so this will be another step to take," Orton said.

Orton and Grossman began battling for the starting spot in a May minicamp and during the workouts in June. Then the competition intensified in training camp.

"To come to a decision like that we've taken a lot of things into consideration: Last year, how Orton finished the season ... training camp, preseason games," Smith said. "In the end, it comes down to a gut feeling that you have.

"I feel good about Kyle leading our team."

Orton completed 63.2 percent of his preseason passes (12-for-19) for 99 yards with a passer rating of 76.4, but had no completions longer than 17 yards. Grossman completed 13-for-23 for 118 yards. Grossman threw a 25-yard touchdown pass.

Ryan Will Start Against Titans On Saturday

ATLANTA - Matt Ryan's next shot at winning the starting quarterback job for the Atlanta Falcons will come in his first preseason start.

Falcons coach Mike Smith said Monday that Ryan will start Friday night's home game against Tennessee.

Ryan and the other starters are expected to play the first half and at least one series in the third quarter.

COLTS: Safety Bob Sanders and defensive end Dwight Freeney should be cleared for practice this week.

If Sanders has his way, the return could come even sooner. He's hoping to be on the field when the Colts hold their first workout at the new Lucas Oil Stadium today.

DOLPHINS: Released offensive lineman Steve McKinney, three months after he signed as a free agent.

PATRIOTS: Quarterback Tom Brady isn't sure if he's going to play in Friday night's exhibition game against Philadelphia because of a foot injury. Brady said his goal is to be ready for New England's regular-season opener Sept. 7 against Kansas City.

RAVENS: Linebacker Terrell Suggs reported to the team and began practicing after signing his $8.47 million, one-year tender.

SEAHAWKS: Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck fully participated in a practice for the first time since his back stiffened 10 days ago and said he will play in Seattle's next preseason game Aug. 25 at San Diego.

TEXANS: Placed guard Fred Weary on injured reserve because of lingering problems with his right leg, which he broke last season.

VIKINGS: Coach Brad Childress said quarterback Tarvaris Jackson is preparing to play on Saturday against Pittsburgh despite a sprained right knee.

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