Kansas City Chiefs coach Todd Haley said Thursday that Tyler Palko would start Sunday night’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but newly acquired Chiefs quarterback Kyle Orton would be available as a backup.
Orton, released this week by the Denver Broncos and claimed off waivers by the Chiefs on Wednesday, will not join his new team until Friday, according to the Kansas City Star.
"He had a couple of personal things he had to attend to," Haley said.
Haley would not commit to Orton as the team's starter for its game Dec. 4 against the Chicago Bears, the team Orton played for from 2005-08. The coach indicated that Palko, who started last Monday night when the Chiefs lost, 34-3, to the New England Patriots, still has a chance to keep the job.
"It will depend on Tyler," Haley said. "He's worked hard. He understands the offense. There's a lot to be encouraged about. I'm excited to see the progression here Sunday night.
"(Orton is) a smart guy. I was very clear to him about where he was coming and what he was coming into. Tyler is the starter, but the guy that gives us the best chance to win will always play at any position. Tyler understands that, and every other position understands that."
