Clean-shaven Orton injured in Broncos loss

Kyle Orton is tackled in the second quarter. (AP)

Kyle Orton shaved his beard this week in an effort to end the Broncos' two-game losing streak.

Not only did the ploy not work, the former Bears quarterback injured his ankle today in the 27-17 loss to the Washington Redskins.

Orton connected with Brandon Marshall on two long, first-quarter touchdown passes and had the Broncos leading before limping off the field in the final seconds of the first half. Orton didn't return and watched as his backup Chris Simms went 3-for-13  for 13 yards in the second half.

Known affectionately (at times) during his time in Chicago as "The Neck Beard" for his unkept facial hair, perhaps Orton should think twice about ever shaving again.