Print edition: 
KANSAS CITY, Mo. —The Tyler Palko era, which got its start only last week, is nearing its end.
The Chiefs brought in some competition for Palko on Wednesday when they claimed Kyle Orton, a veteran quarterback with extensive starting experience, off waivers from Denver. Orton, 29, began the season as Denver's starter but was benched last month in favor of Tim Tebow.
The Broncos released Orton on Tuesday.
Orton will report to the Chiefs and will be at practice today if he is able to get to Kansas City on time and pass his physical.
Chiefs coach Todd Haley held his usual daily news conference before the waiver process had finished and wasn't available for comment afterward.
The addition of Orton would seem to indicate the Chiefs are uncomfortable with Palko as their starting quarterback for the season's final six games. Palko inherited the starter's job last we ek after the Chiefs lost Matt Cassel for the season because of a hand injury.
Palko completed 24 of 37 passes for 230 yards in his debut Monday night against the Patriots. But he also threw three interceptions as the Chiefs lost 34-3.
Still, early indications were that Palko would be the starter Sunday night against Pittsburgh at Arrowhead Stadium. Even if he practices today, Orton would have only two days on the field to prepare for the game with his new team.
Palko said Haley didn't tell him the Chiefs would make a change at quarterback for the Pittsburgh game.
"He didn't tell me either way," Palko said. "He just said we're going full speed ahead for Pittsburgh. I was in the huddle today calling plays, and we have a really good plan. I'm fired up about it."
Palko also indicated Orton's presence wouldn't distract from his preparation.
"This game is not for the faint of heart," Palko said. "You can't be sensitive. You can't worry about things you can't control. This is a bottom-line business. It's about wins."
The Chiefs released veteran wide receiver Keary Colbert to clear roster room for Orton.
After Pittsburgh, the Chiefs play on Dec. 4 against the Bears in Chicago, and the Chiefs may try to have Orton ready to play then. Orton, in his seventh NFL season, began his career with the Bears and played four years and started 33 games for them before being traded in 2009 to the Broncos in the deal that sent Jay Cutler to Chicago.
In his 2 1/2 seasons for Denver, Orton started 33 games. One of the best games of his career came against the Chiefs last season when he threw for 296 yards and four touchdown passes in a lopsided victory.
He could face the Broncos if he starts the season's final game against the Broncos on Jan. 1 in Denver.
Longer term, Orton could pose a threat to Cassel, but the Chiefs would have to re-sign him. Orton is in the final year of a contract that will pay him $2.6 million the rest of the season.
If Orton signs with another team after the season, the Chiefs could recover a compensatory draft pick for losing him.
Although he didn't speak specifically about the addition of Orton, Haley said any quarterback transaction shouldn't be taken as a lack of confidence in Palko.
"Either way, it wouldn't have an effect on what I feel about Tyler and I think what our team feels about Tyler," Haley said. "The way we feel about him, we felt that way prior to Matt getting hurt. I'm very confident in his ability to help get us back on track. I wouldn't read anything into what goes on, can go on, would go on, doesn't go on. I wouldn't read into it.
"I was encouraged with Tyler with so much of what he did. ... We just need to get better and learn from some of the things we didn't do well."
The Chiefs will face one of the most aggressive defenses on Sunday night. The Steelers generally excel at disguising their coverages, something that could confuse an inexperienced quarterbac k like Palko.
"They give you a lot of multiple looks," Palko said. "You've got to be prepared for everything they throw at you."
