Orton still missing from practice; Brown back

Quarterback Kyle Orton is missing practice again this afternoon while he continues to rehabilitate his sprained right ankle. The Bears are practicing outside in the steady rain instead of moving inside to the Walter Payton Center.

Veteran free safety Mike Brown is back at practice on a limited basis after missing Wednesday’s workout. He suffered a right calf strain late in the second quarter Sunday against Detroit and said he is feeling much better. In the past, it’s the kind of injury that Brown probably would have tested in a game. He felt a twinge when he went to break out of his backpedal.

“Back in the day, I definitely would have tried to go back on the field and probably would’ve ended up hurting myself pretty bad,” he said. “It wasn’t something that was too painful. There were some things I was limited in doing like when I tried to get back out and warm up and see if I could continue. You know, back pedaling was a problem. That’s what I do in the secondary. I didn’t think it was too bad. Obviously, the MRI showed that. There’s really nothing wrong with it. It’s just more of a twinge than anything.”

He believes he will be able to play Sunday, but the true test will be how his body responds after practice. Wide receiver Brandon Lloyd (left knee) and defensive back Danieal Manning (hamstring) also were a full-go for practice, which will go on for about another 90 minutes.