Orton works out in night practice

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Chicago Bears Kyle Orton and Rex Grossman

Chicago Bears quarterbacks Kyle Orton, left, and Rex Grossman, right, participate in passing drills during the first day of the NFL football team's training camp in Bourbonnais, Ill., Wednesday, July 23, 2008. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

By Beth Boehne

CHICAGO (AP) — The battle to be the Chicago Bears starting quarterback moved to Soldier Field from a practice field in Bourbonnais when the team held a night practice in front of almost 25,000 fans on Friday night.

Kyle Orton had most of the first-string snaps. Rex Grossman got his share of boos after throwing a few incomplete passes during a two-minute drill.

"Our quarterbacks have both had their moments," Bears coach Lovie Smith said. "Kyle tonight hit quite a few passes. I thought Rex did some good things. We just want to get situations in and each day we'll learn a little bit more about them."

Smith hasn't yet announced the starter for the preseason opener at Soldier Field Thursday against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Bears have rotated first-string quarterbacks each day.

Fans reserved the loudest applause for return man Devin Hester.

"I think we all just need to wait — it's practice," Smith said. "We're trying to get ready for the football season. No one is game-ready right now. Hopefully they'll (fans) be patient with us. In time we'll become better at everything we're doing and they'll be proud of who we have out on the football field."

The Bears practiced without starting left guard Terrence Metcalf due to a knee bruise. They're still without rookie left tackle Chris Williams due to a back injury.

The Bears return to Bourbonnais training camp Sunday for a noon practice after a day off Saturday.

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