Lake Forest, IL -- (Sports Network) - The Chicago Bears announced Monday that Kyle Orton will line up under center in the team's season opener September 7 in Indianapolis.

Orton, a fourth-round draft pick in 2005 from Purdue, had been battling with Rex Grossman, who was the starting quarterback the last two seasons and guided the Bears to Super Bowl XLI following the 2006 season.

The former 2003 first-round pick, though, had been chastised for his inability to protect the ball. In only 32 career games spanning the last five seasons, the Florida product has thrown 31 touchdowns against 33 interceptions.

The 25-year-old Orton made 15 starts in 2005 and three last season -- stepping into the starting role for the final three regular-season games and leading the team to a 2-1 record which included wins over Green Bay and New Orleans. A native of Iowa, Orton has thrown for 2,347 yards with 12 touchdowns and 15 interceptions in his career.

After a 13-3 record, NFC North title and Super Bowl appearance two seasons ago, the Bears slipped to 7-9 in 2007, tied for third place in the division with Detroit.