Kyle Orton sprinted out onto Lambeau Field at 10:38 a.m. testing his healing ankle on hallowed grounds. Orton missed last week's loss to the Titans after spraining his right ankle Week 9 against Detroit. Rex Grossman replaced Orton leading the Bears to a comeback victory against the Lions but faulted against Tennessee.
While Rex Grossman is 3-0 at Lambeau Field, Kyle Orton has never played in Green Bay. Despite being the starter his rookie season, Orton was benched Christmas Day at Lambeau so coaches could test out Rex Grossman's recovery from injury before the playoffs. The Bears quarterback will have to make good decisions against the Packers secondary which leads the league in interceptions, and an astonishing six pick-6 returns.
Also returning to the starting lineup for Chicago is Wide Receiver Brandon Lloyd who has missed 6 weeks (5 games) with a sprained knee ligament. Lloyd was healthy to play last week but coaches told him they were activating rookie WR Earl Bennett as a strategic move on special teams. Others believe the coaching staff was sending Lloyd a message to get back on the field fast.
The Bears will need their nickel package today when they see the Packers "Big Five" (5 WR set), but no changes in the starting lineup with Nathan Vasher still starting at RCB. It may not mean a thing if they come out in a nickel package and use Corey Graham as the nickel back. Hunter Hillenmeyer has been replaced by Nick Roach at Strong Side Linebacker.
Inactive for Sunday's game in Green Bay: RB Kevin Jones, CB Marcus Hamilton, OT Fred Miller, DT Matt Toeaina, WR Earl Bennett, DT Anthony Adams and rookie DE Ervin Baldwin recently signed to the active roster. The Packers are without starting LB Nick Barnett which should help the Bears offense get their running game going. Also inactive for Green Bay: De Jeremy Thgompson, CB Pat Lee, RB DeShawn Wynn, T Breno Giacomini, G Allen Barbre, and WR Ruvell Martin. Number three quarterbacks are Brian Brohm for the Pack, Caleb Hanie for Chicago.
