Denver Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton’s injured finger doesn’t feel great, and he won’t declare himself ready to go for Sunday’s regular-season opener at Cincinnati, but he has taken positive steps.

“It went well for my first day back,” Orton said Wednesday, referring to Tuesday’s practice. “Felt better than I thought I would.”

Orton referred to his status for Sunday as an ongoing process, and admitted “I’ve got to be the best guy for it.” His grip is affected by his injury – which is the reason he wore a glove on his injured hand in Tuesday’s practice – but is still anticipating he will play.

“I’m preparing that I’m going to play, no question about it,” Orton said.

Orton dislocated his right index finger and it broke the skin, requiring stitches. He said it still hurts, but considered himself fortunate he’s able to practice at this point.

“I think we got lucky it wasn’t more than it was,” Orton said.

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