Horse Tracks 8/31/09 - Broncos fall to Bears, 27-17; Orton, Kuper injured; Gaffney has broken thumb

By PDXNYer Aug 31, 2009, 6:30am MDT

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I think Ted's analysis summed up the game quite well, so I won't rehash. Lots of injury-related news, unfortunately. Jabar Gaffney broke his thumb on Friday, while Orton hurt his right index finger last night. Chris Kuper hurt his ankle and was helped off the field; X-rays were negative but he'll have an MRI today. Eddie Royal and Peyton Hillis both were banged up during the game but returned shortly after. The QB carousel is still spinning, as Matt Cassel may miss the Chefs' regular season opener and the Pats will waive Kevin O'Connell. I wouldn't be surprised to see him end up in Denver and Chris Simms on the PUP to start the season. Josh McDaniels worked O'Connell out before the '08 Draft and liked him enough that the Pats spent a third-rounder on the QB. I'd think Gaffney's injury means Brandon Lloyd has to make the team now.

NFL - Bears 27, Broncos 17 - Highlights with local color - Video

NFL - Pre WK 3: Kyle Orton highlights - Video

NFL - Bears vs. Broncos highlights - NFLTA Video
If you can stand his voice, Jamie Dukes is actually objective in his analysis. Who knew?

DB - Bears Postgame: McDaniels - Broncos TV

DB - Bears Postgame: Orton - Broncos TV
Orton says he thinks he'll be physically "ready to go" next week.

DP - Cutler, Bears bounce Broncos 27-17 - Mike Klis

DP - Broncos' receivers caught short in numbers - Lindsay Jones
Jabar Gaffney broke his thumb in Friday's practice. No word on when he will return. Chris Kuper has a right ankle injury, while the status of Kyle Orton's finger is unknown.

DP - Lots to refine for Broncos before it counts - Jeff Legwold

DB - Mistakes Lead to Loss - Zach Eisendrath

DB - Hungry for a Win - Gray Caldwell

DP - Dumervil still a rush job - Jeff Legwold

DP - Tall tasks for Broncos' special teams - Lindsay Jones

DP - Bears-Broncos game breakdown - Jeff Legwold

DP - Broncos fans singing the boos - Lindsay Jones

DP - Chicago "D" notices Orton, but that's it - Adrian Dater
Says Tommie Harris, "Jay is Mr. Consistent. He's going to give you a great game every week."

DP - Orton's finger injury puts QB spot on the spot
The Patriots are going to waive QB Kevin O'Connell, who Josh McDaniels worked out before New England drafted him in 2008. Sounds like a short stay for Ingle Martin, if you ask me. Meanwhile, X-rays were negative on Chris Kuper's ankle, although he will have an MRI today.

DP - Paige: This act won't fly come regular season

SI - Jay Cutler's Mile High reunion, 10 Things I Think and more - Peter King
Ron Turner apparently thinks Jay Cutler the QB is all growns up. On page 4, PK has some interesting thoughts on what the dumping of Kevin O'Connell means in New England (and thinks he'll end up in Denver). Plus, he starts to consider the case of Floyd Little.

CSG - Broncos QB Orton leaves with cut finger - Frank Schwab

CSG - Ramsey: Cutler won, Broncos nothing

CSG - Broncos notes: Injuries are piling up - Frank Schwab

CSG - Bears-Broncos: Three things we looked for - Frank Schwab

AP - Jay Cutler Beats Denver Broncos In Mile High Return - Arnie Stapleton

DB - Bears vs. Broncos: First Half Live Blog - Chris Gentilviso

DB - Bears vs. Broncos: Second Half Live Blog - Chris Gentilviso

CBS - Cutler's success might be start of season-long nightmare for Broncos fans - Aaron J. Lopez

FOX - Cutler vs. Orton: It's no contest - Alex Marvez

ESPN - Greenberg: Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler impresses in his return to Denver

ESPN - Bears take it to the Broncos - Kevin Seifert

ESPN - Denver is shaking mad over Cutler - Bill Williamson