There is a rising optimism surrounding Kyle Orton's ability to play this weekend against the Green Bay Packers. On Wednesday head coach Romeo Crennel indicated that the Chiefs starting quarterback would be Orton or rookie Ricky Stanzi -- not Tyler Palko.

Orton, however, is recovering from a dislocated finger, which caused him to miss last week's game against the New York Jets. But it sounds like the thumb finger is progressing nicely and, according to Crennel at his Thursday press conference (via @JoshLooney), Orton is recovering well and actually ahead of schedule.

If Crennel is saying he's looking good on Thursday then there's a pretty good chance he'll be ready to play by Sunday.

It's not officially official yet...but we're getting closer to the Kyle Orton era.