Peyton Manning Injury: Why Dan Orlovsky Is No Better Than Kerry Collins

The Indianapolis Colts worked out Dan Orlovsky and Brodie Croyle today in their search for a competent quarterback. After Sunday night's collapse against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Colts are apparently looking for answers other than Kerry Collins and Curtis Painter under center.

While working players out doesn't mean a signing is imminent, you'd have the believe the Colts would take Orlovsky if they did decide to add another quarterback.

The 28-year-old UConn product was with Indianapolis in training camp and lost out to Curtis Painter for the final quarterback spot on the roster. Obviously, he's more familiar with what the Colts are trying to do offensively than Croyle.

The problem is, other than a 10-game stint as the Lions' starter in 2008, Orlovsky has never been anything more than a backup. And that time as the No. 1 guy came on a team that finished the season 0-16. That's not exactly a ringing endorsement of his abilities.

The Colts really just need to stick with Collins at quarterback. No, he's not a great choice, but he is better than Painter, Orlovsky and Croyle. At least Collins has had some measure of success during his 17-year NFL career.

If Collins does miss Indianapolis' Week 4 road trip to Tampa Bay because of a concussion, Painter should be the starter because he has been with the team long enough to have some familiarity with the offense.

Painter beat Orlovsky out for that spot during the preseason, so obviously he is a better fit for the team. While he has been incredibly disappointing so far, he deserves a chance to play if Collins is indeed out.

Even if the Colts sign Orlovsky or Croyle, neither one should play ahead of Collins or Painter.