Orton's Grade II sprain will keep him out this weekend "barring miracle."

How talented are the Chargers at quarterback? Their backup, Billy Volek, is far more accurate than either Raiders QB JaMarcus Russell or Broncos left-hander Chris Simms, who the Bolts may face on Sunday if starter Kyle Orton can't go.

Norv Turner said the Bolts are preparing for either gimpy veteran Kyle Orton or No. 2 QB Chris Simms. Is there anyone erractic enough on the scout team to mimic Simms? In relief of Orton, Simms was 3 for 13 with an interception last Sunday. He has 18 interceptions and 12 TDs in his career to go with 47 sacks in 21 games.

The Eagles were forced to settle for a field goal against the Chargers Sunday after sustaining a 260-yard, 64-play drive that featured six separate red-zone appearances and took 52 minutes off the game clock. "It's disappointing not to score a touchdown when you keep a drive alive for more than three and a half quarters," said quarterback Donovan McNabb, who completed 32 of his 66 passes, converted 26 first downs, and was carted off the field for X-rays twice during the drive. "At least we came away with three points. Those 120 yards in penalties really hurt our field position, but those conversions on third and 21, third and 64, and the fake punt on fourth and 72 showed that this team never quits." Backup QB Michael Vick took one snap from center during the nearly hour-long drive, failing to complete a screen pass.

Everyone except Clary and Hardwick back at practice ... Orton doesn't practice in Denver -- ka

The ligaments in Kyle Orton's left ankle are torn. He certainly isn't.

Orton adamantly wants to start Sunday against San Diego and help the Denver Broncos snap out of a monthlong funk that has wiped out their 3½-game cushion over the Chargers in the AFC West.

The Broncos' defense isn't what it used to be: It is time to worry about the Broncos' defense, as the inept Redskins posted their most offensive points of the season. The Denver defensive line is very short on talent and depth. Its play in the trenches is not as stout as it was early in the season. As concerning, the collective age of this defense is an issue. When they rebuilt, the Broncos brought in a lot of veteran players. Now, as the season has worn on, it is conceivable that the rigors of the season are catching up with these aged bodies.

[Philip Rivers'] raw numbers pale in comparison to Donovan McNabb's, but Rivers went 20-of-25 against the pass defense that DVOA believes to be the best in football. Philadelphia took away Vincent Jackson, who only had one catch for 10 yards, so Rivers adapted: Antonio Gates caught seven passes for 78 yards, while his touchdowns were thrown to Legedu Naanee (on a blown coverage by Asante Samuel, who had a phantom safety behind him) and fullback Mike Tolbert.

Norv Turner said he expects right tackle Jeromey Clary, who left Sunday's game with an ankle injury, to play against the Broncos. He also expects Tim Dobbins, out the past two weeks with a sprained knee, to play in Denver.

As for center Nick Hardwick, Turner said, "He's doing pretty good and we'll start the process again. I'm sure he’ll practice Wednesday or Thursday and we’ll see where he’s at." Hardwick has not played since tearing ligaments in his right ankle in the season opener. He practiced some the past two weeks.

Also today, Broncos coach Josh McDaniels said the status of quarterback Kyle Orton won't be known until later in the week. Orton sprained his left ankle and was unable to finish Sunday's game at Washington.

-- KEVIN ACEE

"First, I'd like to give credit to the Chargers and Coach Zorn," McDaniels said Sunday at FedEx Field after the Broncos lost, 27-17, to the Washington Redskins.

[Gary ]Horton [of Scouts, Inc.] thinks the Broncos have the tougher remaining schedule of the two teams and he thinks San Diego is the better team right now.