Broncos release veteran QB Orton
Kyle Orton has gone from Jay Cutler’s replacement to Tim Tebow’s backup to the unemployment line.
The Broncos released the 29-year-old veteran quarterback Tuesday, six weeks after benching him following a 1-4 start.
“I spoke with Kyle earlier today and thanked him for everything he did for the Broncos. He was a true professional throughout this season. I’ve got a great deal of respect for him as both a player and as a person,” coach John Fox said in a statement.
“This was the right decision for our football team. We feel good about our quarterback group, and this gives Kyle an opportunity to help another team and showcase his talents.”
Orton shouldn’t stay unemployed for long.
Although he’s a vested veteran with seven NFL seasons under his belt, Orton is subject to the waiver rules because he was released after the trade deadline. If another team claims him, it will be responsible for about $3 million in salary, which is what remains of his roughly $9 million contract for 2011. If nobody claims him, he’ll be free to sign with anybody.
Two intriguing possibilities are the Chicago Bears and Houston Texans. Both are in the thick of the playoff race at 7-3 but have problems under center, and another potential destination is AFC West rival Kansas City.
Cutler broke the thumb on his right throwing hand last weekend and might miss the rest of the regular season.
Matt Schaub of the Texans is out with a right foot injury and he’s been replaced by previously underachieving Matt Leinart.
Matt Cassel hurt his throwing hand in the Chiefs’ 17-10 loss to Denver on Nov. 13 and had season-ending surgery the next day. His replacement, Tyler Palko, threw three interceptions in his first start, a 34-3 loss at New England on Monday night.
Roethlisberger should play
Ben Roethlisberger’s fractured right thumb didn’t put him on the sidelines the day it happened – the Steelers’ Nov. 13 win at Cincinnati. Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin says it won’t keep him out this Sunday, either.
Tomlin said Roethlisberger will start at quarterback against the Kansas City Chiefs. While Tomlin can’t tell how much the thumb will affect him, he expects Roethlisberger to be effective.
“Those of us who know Ben understand that he’s going to show and show for his teammates,” Tomlin said.
Injuries mount for Bills
Buffalo Bills starting cornerback Terrence McGee and receiver Donald Jones have been placed on season-ending injured reserve.
McGee had surgery on his left knee Monday after getting hurt in Sunday’s blowout loss to the Miami Dolphins. Jones also was hurt in the Miami game, aggravating a left ankle injury from earlier this season.