“Yikes” is the only thought that came to mind upon seeing Rex Grossman back under center for a professional football game. For fantasy owners with stake in Kyle Orton’s success, the reaction was probably riddled with more expletives after seeing him exit with a high ankle sprain.

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Orton could miss up to a month with that ankle sprain, an injury that initially looked much worse. Grossman will likely lead the NFC North-leading Bears against Tennessee next weekend, which is a tough pill to swallow for both Bears fans and fantasy owners alike.

Grossman completed just 9-of-19 passes for 58 yards in relief of Orton, who exited in the second quarter, but he did help the Bears overcome a 23-13 halftime deficit. Grossman hooked up with Rashied Davis on a six-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter, then scored the winning touchdown on a one-yard run in the fourth.

Orton had been one of the feel-good stories of the 2008 season and one of the most rewarding waiver wire pickups of the fantasy season. In eight games, he threw 10 touchdown passes and four interceptions and compiled a 90.8 quarterback rating.

Now, it’s back on Grossman, who does possess a big arm, but is more known for implosions, interceptions, and all-around poor play. He will likely have minimal impact in fantasy, but also shouldn’t have any ill effect on the Bears’ other weapons.

Rookie running back Matt Forte and tight end Greg Olsen are good enough to get their numbers regardless. Beyond those two, only Devin Hester has been a viable fantasy option. That trio’s productivity should go relatively unchanged.

Grossman’s effect on the Bears’ playoff chances, however, could be a little more negative. If Orton is, in fact, out for a month, Grossman will play at home against unbeaten Tennessee, then hit the road for matchups at Green Bay, St. Louis and Minnesota. Between facing the league’s most dominant defense and playing three straight road games, the panic-stricken Grossman will have no time to breathe.

He’ll also have no place starting for a contending fantasy football team.

Around the blogosphere …

Da’ Bears Blog says fans have no choice but to put their trust back in Rex Grossman.

Dueling Couches thinks Grossman will single-handedly lose games for Chicago.

The Chicago Tribune’s Steve Rosenbloom calls this The Blair Rex Project.

The Heckler says an eerie feeling set in as Grossman took the field over Halloween weekend.