Quarterback Kyle Orton will not practice again for the third straight day, but Denver Broncos coach Josh McDaniels didn’t rule out Orton playing on Sunday against San Diego.

Orton has missed practice all week with an injured left ankle. Backup quarterback Chris Simms will get all of the repetitions during practice this week. However, McDaniels was still optimistic Orton could still play this week.

“Absolutely,” McDaniels said.

McDaniels praised Simms, saying he had a good week of practice and the team has confidence in him.

McDaniels said Orton will continue to rehabilitate his ankle, then will be worked out on Sunday morning to determine his chances of playing. Teams have to turn in their inactive list 90 minutes before kickoff.

Most players are inactive if they miss all week of practice, but McDaniels said he thought Orton’s experience practicing with the first-team offense would make it easier for him to play without practicing during the week.

McDaniels said he thought Orton’s rehabilitation was more important than exposing him to a setback during practice.

“We’ll continue working with him and hopefully we’ll be ready to go on Sunday,” McDaniels said.

McDaniels said running back Correll Buckhalter, who missed Thursday’s practice with a knee injury, will return to practice today. Buckhalter and running back LaMont Jordan were both out on Thursday.

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