This morning, it was Devin Hester telling our own Sarah Spain that Kyle Orton had plans of returning a bit earlier than advertised. This afternoon at Halas Hall, the Neckbearded One confirmed as much to reporters.

“I’m certainly not ruling out anything,” Orton said when asked if he could play soon. “Just going week to week.”

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“I feel like I got lucky,” Orton said. “I’m hoping I don’t miss any time.”

I’m still a bit dubious about Orton returning Sunday. It doesn’t seem like the most prudent choice to rush him back and have a potential setback, or perhaps make the injury worse. Lord knows the Bears don’t want to risk something like that. But who knows: after Hester’s and Orton’s comments today, maybe it’s not so far-fetched after all.