Kyle Orton to remain Bills starter even if team is eliminated from playoffs

It appears Kyle Orton will remain the Buffalo Bills' starting quarterback for the rest of the season.

Bills head coach Doug Marrone indicated Wednesday that Orton would retain the job even if the team was eliminated from the playoffs.

With a loss to the Green Bay Packers this coming Sunday, the Bills will have virtually no chance of making the postseason, a streak of 14 years - the last time they made the playoffs was 1999.

"Every week, I'm going to make that decision. If I get to 7-8, I'll make that decision. But right now, absolutely, I will play Kyle Orton because he gives us the best chance to win now," Marrone said to reporters at his press conference Wednesday.

Incumbent EJ Manuel was benched in favor of Orton after a 23-17 loss to the Houston Texans on Sept. 28. Orton has a 5-4 record as the Bills' starter this season.

"I will say this: My job right now is to win a football game. And that's how I see it. So I'm doing the best job I can to win a football game, plain and simple," Marrone said.

It appears, at least for the time being, the Bills have phased Manuel out of their future plans and he may not get another shot at starting until next season.