Orton Update

An MRI confirmed quarterback Kyle Orton has a high right ankle sprain, and Orton was told Monday the injury would sideline him three to four weeks, according to a source.

The MRI exam revealed no ligament tear, the source said.

Lovie Smith said this about Orton's injury:

"I'm not playing doctor; you shouldn't either, you should let us come and tell you once we know for sure exactly what the injury is. We're hopeful, I'll just say that."

According to Stephania Bell, ESPN's injury analyst, it is common to conduct extensive testing on a high ankle sprain to make sure there is no fracture. But even without a fracture, a high ankle sprain could be a concern.

Dez Clark on Orton's injury:

"Hopefully he misses a minimum amount of time," he was playing at an elite level."

Bell had this to say about this injury:

"The problem with the high ankle sprain is that every time we take a step, there is stress placed across the ligaments (that join the two lower leg bones) that form the roof of the ankle joint, stress that would tend to stretch or widen the roof, if the roof continues to widen, then you get instability ... and ultimately lead to an arthritic condition."One of the things they look at with high ankle sprains is how 'wide' that roof has become. If it's not that bad, then it's treated conservatively with a boot. If too wide, it becomes a surgical situation."

Just a Thought:

It could be worse, Kyle Orton could have been out for the season.

Fun Fact:

Going into the Detroit Lions game, Orton was tied for fourth in touchdown passes since Week 3 with 10, trailing only Philip Rivers, Brett Favre and Drew Brees.

How's Mike Brown?:

As for Mike Brown, his calf injury was initially thought to be a cramp.

He left Soldier Field with a protective boot in hand, but he told teammates the injury wasn't serious.

If Brown can't go this week. look for Steltz to get the start at FS and either Danieal Manning (if healthy) or recently signed Terrence Holt to back him up.

Israel Idonije had this to say about Mike Brown:

"No one can fill Mike's shoes, Mike's a playmaker for us. But at the end of the day, if he can't go, someone has to step up."