McDaniels: Orton not ruled out for Sunday's game

Sports Network | November 16, 2009

Denver, CO (Sports Network) - Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels did not give a detailed update on Kyle Orton's injured ankle but has yet to rule out the starting quarterback for Denver's Week 11 showdown with San Diego.

Orton injured his left ankle in the second quarter of Sunday's game at Washington and did not return. Chris Simms relieved the starter and completed just 3-of-13 passes for 13 yards with an interception in the 27-17 loss.

"We'll see how he progresses here the next few days," McDaniels said of Orton in Monday's press conference. "I'll have to see if and when Kyle is ready to go. He's definitely not [officially] out for the game. We're hopeful we can get him ready to go. If he can't practice, then it'll be Chris [starting at quarterback]."

Orton completed 11-of-18 throws for 193 yards on Sunday, including a pair of lengthy touchdown passes to Brandon Marshall before leaving the game.

The fifth-year signal-caller out of Purdue, in his first year with Denver, led the club to a 6-0 mark to start the year. The team has since dropped three straight to fall into a tie with the Chargers for first place in the AFC West.