"Lions quarterback Jon Kitna saw media approaching, lowered his head and walked away. There would be another day of silence and another day of no practice for Kitna, who is out because of an injured lower back.

Lions offensive coordinator Jim Colletto said the team might wait until Sunday to decide who gets the starting nod. Backup Dan Orlovsky said he's ready, despite a left ankle injury suffered late in Sunday's 34-7 loss to the Bears. If neither quarterback can go, the Lions will shave the offensive plays to a minimum and go with third-string quarterback Drew Stanton, who has yet to play in a regular-season game.

Kitna rode a stationary bike during the open session of practice, and then went to watch his fellow quarterbacks throw passes.

If Kitna doesn't play, it would break his string of 36 consecutive starts (10-26).

Orlovsky's ankle has improved dramatically.

"On Monday, I didn't think he'd play," Colletto said. "But when he practiced on Wednesday, it looked like he was not hurt."

Orlovsky is a four-year veteran who has played in five games, completing 22 of 45 passes for 166 yards with two interceptions and no touchdowns.

He received his most significant time in the loss to the Bears at Ford Field when he played the second half.

Wide receiver Mike Furrey said he's preparing as if Orlovsky is going to start Sunday.

"I think right now he (Orlovsky) is the quarterback who is going to be out there," Furrey said. "Isn't he? That's the way we are looking at it. He's in the huddle now and we are prepared to play with him.

"If Jon is to play, we are ready to go with him. But right now we are counting on Danny. He looked pretty functional out there Sunday. We look forward to playing with him and trying to get a victory." "