Denver Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton was on the sideline to begin the second half against the Washington Redskins, with backup Chris Simms playing in his place.

Orton's left ankle was heavily taped. He came up hobbling after being tackled on a third-down scramble right before halftime. The Broncos said his return is doubtful.

Simms had not appeared in a game this season before Sunday.

Orton was 11 for 18 for 193 yards and two touchdown passes in the first half against Washington.

Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press