Kyle Orton wants to start on Sunday, and it's been reported by at least one well-respected football pundit that he will be under center for the Broncos on Sunday when they play the San Diego Chargers. But, it was backup Chris Simms, not Orton who took snaps with the first team offense in practice on Wednesday. Although it may only be to allow Orton a chance to rest his sprained left ankle before making the start against the Chargers, it also points to the reality that the biggest game of the year for the Broncos may be riding squarely on the shoulders of a very rusty Chris Simms.

Simms lasr started a game on Sept. 24, 2006, while with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He suffered a ruptured spleen on a hit during that game _ a life-threatening injury that required surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation before he could even think about playing again.

After Kyle Orton injured his left ankle Sunday against Washington, Simms played the entire second half at quarterback for the Broncos. He did little to impress on his first signficiant action since suffering the spleen injury. Simms was 3-of-13 for 13 yards with an interception. The Broncos offense was shut-out with Simms at the helm.

When asked about Orton's status, coach Josh McDaniels said this:

"I don't know, we'll see. He's going to do everything he can to to get better every day. We'll make that decision at the end of the week."

Even if Orton gets the start, there is a good chance that he will either worsen the injury or be rendered ineffective, or both. In which case, McDaniels would again have to turn to Simms. Considering that Simms is left-handed_ something that both players and coaches have to adjust to_ and looked somewhat lost last week, getting him extra preparation while giving Orton time to rest, seems like a good idea at this point in the week. Should Simms be thrust into action again, he'll be able to lean at least a little bit on his preparation time rather than coming in cold as he did a week ago.

--- SONNY PLATT.