by Sports Xchange

--LB Jarvis Moss has been active the past two weeks, but mostly for special teams duty. Moss, a former first-round pick, finished the preseason well to make the team but hasn't gotten much of a chance to play on defense. He has been inactive most of the season.

--G Ben Hamilton got a chance to play at left guard a couple of plays against Washington, when the team moved Russ Hochstein out to tight end in a short-yardage situation. After picking up the short-yardage conversion, Hochstein had to come out for a play before checking in again at left guard.

--TE Richard Quinn was active but didn't play much against Washington. Quinn, a second-round pick, isn't going to be a huge part of the Broncos' offense this season, unless there is an injury.

--CB Alphonso Smith got plenty of chances to play Sunday in Denver's dime package. The Broncos will benefit if Smith, a second-round pick, can continue to get meaningful reps. Smith is behind veteran Ty Law for the nickel cornerback job.

--WR Kenny McKinley has been playing on special teams, but the rookie hasn't gotten a chance on offense. McKinley did look good in the preseason and could fit into the plans at receiver in future years.

GAME PLAN: The Broncos say their game plan won't change based on who the quarterback is. There will be some different wrinkles if Chris Simms has to start but Denver will do what it does best on offense. Against San Diego in the first meeting, the Broncos were successful passing the ball. Kyle Orton completed 20 of 29 passes, and tight end Tony Scheffler had a big game with 101 yards. The Broncos will probably have a similar game plan and see what the Chargers do to adjust.

The Chargers played well in the first half against Denver, with Philip Rivers completing 11 of 16 passes for 172 yards, leading San Diego to 20 first-half points. Then the Broncos started getting pressure on Rivers, who finished with 274 yards, and Denver held San Diego to three points after halftime. The Broncos have to get similar pressure on Rivers in the second meeting.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH: Broncos CB Champ Bailey vs. Chargers WR Vincent Jackson. The Broncos moved Bailey around a bit to match up with Jackson, a compliment to the emerging Chargers receiver. Although Jackson had a touchdown, he had only four catches for 46 yards. The Broncos might decide to move Bailey around to shadow Jackson full time on Sunday.

Broncos TE Tony Scheffler vs. Chargers SS Kevin Ellison. San Diego was having trouble with its strong safety position the first time the teams met, and the Broncos took advantage, hitting Scheffler for 101 yards. Ellison has started four games now, settling down the position a bit, but the Broncos are sure to test the rookie again, and often.

Broncos P Mitch Berger vs. Chargers PR Darren Sproles. One reason the Broncos dumped Brett Kern is he was inconsistent in directional and situational kicks. The final straw came when he allowed Sproles to field a punt and return it for a touchdown earlier this season. Berger hasn't been very good, however. He had a 16-yard punt last week. Berger needs to place the ball well to help out the Broncos' punt coverage team this week.

INJURY IMPACT: QB Kyle Orton missed practice Thursday because of an ankle injury. He couldn't say when or if he will practice this week, but said he wants to play Sunday.

--RB Correll Buckhalter, who was limited in Wednesday's practice with a knee injury, didn't practice at all Thursday. His status is questionable for this week's game. If Buckhalter can't play, Knowshon Moreno would likely take almost all the plays at tailback.

--RB LaMont Jordan has missed two straight practices with a back injury. If he is out, that likely means Peyton Hillis will be active. Hillis was a healthy scratch last week.

--WR Brandon Marshall returned to practice after getting Wednesday off. He appears in no danger of missing Sunday's game.

--OT Ryan Harris missed his second straight practice this week with a toe injury. He appears unlikely to play this week.

--WR Brandon Lloyd was held out of practice Thursday with a foot injury. Lloyd hasn't been active in a game yet this season.

--S Josh Barrett returned to practice. Barrett missed last week's game and practice Wednesday because of a hip injury. Barrett is a key special-teams contributor.