NFL Notes: Tebow time in Denver

It’s Tim Tebow time for the remainder of the season whether Kyle Orton likes the situation or not.

Orton said he was informed by the Denver Broncos that the rookie will start not only Sunday against Houston, but in the season finale the following week when San Diego visits Invesco Field.

Even with his bruised ribs almost healed, Orton, who was in the midst of his most prolific passing season, will watch Tebow just like everyone else.

“I said I’d like to finish the season. That wasn’t the option that was presented,” said Orton, who signed an extension through 2011 last summer. “I don’t know if I’ll be here next year. We’ll just have to wait and see what shakes out with the organization.”

Trufant likely a go

Seahawks cornerback Marcus Trufant is expecting to play this week against Tampa Bay after having to leave last week’s game against Atlanta with back spasms.

Defensive tackle Junior Siavii will be held out this week after suffering a serious stinger against Atlanta.

Seattle also signed linebackers Michael Johnson and Vuna Tuihalamaka to the practice squad.

Brady tops Vick in voting

Tom Brady has overtaken Michael Vick to lead all players in the final fan voting for the Pro Bowl.

The New England Patriots’ quarterback had nearly 1.9 million votes when balloting ended Monday.

The NFL said that Vick topped the NFC with more than 1.5 million.

Fans account for one-third of the selection process. The 43-man rosters will be announced Tuesday.

Metrodome almost clear

Workers in Minneapolis were close to clearing the remaining snow and ice from the roof of the Metrodome, which would allow more substantial repair work to begin nearly two weeks after a blizzard caused extensive damage to the home of the Minnesota Vikings.

But Bill Lester, executive director of the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission, said it’s still not clear how long total repairs would take, including whether it would involve replacing damaged pieces of the roof or replacing it entirely, and how much the repairs would cost.

Around the league

Indianapolis receiver Austin Collie was placed on the injured reserve after suffering a concussion Sunday against Jacksonville. … San Diego tight end Antonio Gates likely will sit out the final two games of the regular season with a painful tear in his right plantar fascia. Gates has missed the last two games and four of six. … New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez was limited in practice but insisted he’ll be under center when the team plays at Chicago on Sunday, whether or not his right shoulder is 100 percent.