Chris Simms to start vs. Chargers

Kyle Orton tested his ankle Sunday morning but wasn’t ready for starting duties, so backup Chris Simms will get the start as expected, the Denver Post reports. Both Orton and third-string signal caller Tom Brandstater are expected to be active, though.

UPDATE: Orton is active, Brandstater is the inactive/3rd QB.

The rest of the team needs to lift up its play to support their quarterback, while obviously Simms needs to play better than last week. The Broncos’ issues during the last few weeks have gone well beyond that of quarterback, and if they make the right adjustments, they can still come away with a victory. Don’t ask Simms to win the game, ask him to not lose it.

Orton tests ankle; Simms to start [Denver Post]