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.
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.
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