If Josh McDaniels' comment that quarterback Kyle Orton "absolutely" has a chance to start Sunday despite missing practice all week with a left ankle injury is accepted at face value, it's worth looking into what will convince the Broncos to give Orton the start over Chris Simms.
First, unlike Simms last week, Orton shouldn't be rusty if called upon on late notice. He didn't practice with the first-team offense all week, but Simms' problem was that he hadn't practiced with the starting offense all season.
"I don't think it's ideal situation for any player who hasn't practiced, but I think the fact that he's taken all the reps for so many weeks in a row - or most of them - is a benefit," McDaniels said.
McDaniels will have until 90 minutes before the game to turn in his inactive list. Orton will get as much treatment on his ankle as possible before then. One reason he didn't practice Friday was because the team figured more rehabilitation on the ankle was more of a benefit than practicing (and risking injuring it again).
McDaniels said Orton will work out before the deadline for inactives, and would have to show that he can perform all the things that need to be done in the offense before the Broncos decide he is their starter.
"If we feel there's too many things we'll have to make allowances for, and yet Chris had all the reps in practice and did a lot of good things during the course of the week in practice, ultimately it comes down to what we think is going to give ourselves the best opportunity to play the game the way we have to play it to win," McDaniels said. "If Kyle's capable of doing that, then the decision has to be made at that point. If he's not capable of playing at that level, or doing some of the things we need him to be able to do, you go with the guy who has practiced."
McDaniels also alluded to another not-so-publicized but important decision that will need to be made Sunday, and that's if Orton should be inactive or the No. 2 quarterback if he can't start. Rookie Tom Brandstater would be the backup if Orton is inactive.








