Denver Broncos Strategy and Personnel

The Broncos placed right tackle Ryan Harris on injured reserve and signed former Chiefs tackle Herb Taylor to take his spot on the active roster. Taylor spent two years with the Chiefs, and was cut at the end of training camp this year.

Harris is a big loss for the Broncos. He couldn't continue to play without surgery on his right big toe, and his recovery time was going to last too long for the Broncos to keep him on the active roster. Broncos coach Josh McDaniels said the injury Harris suffered was to the same toe, but a different injury than the one that kept him out four weeks.



PLAYER NOTES

--CB Alphonso Smith could see some playing time if the Colts spread the field and the Broncos counter with a dime package. Peyton Manning loves testing rookies, so Smith will have to be at his best if he plays.

--TE Richard Quinn could see some extra playing time this week if the Broncos decide to go big and run against Indianapolis. Quinn has played special teams and in jumbo packages on offense as a rookie this year.

--QB Chris Simms remains Denver's backup quarterback. Simms didn't play well when Kyle Orton had an ankle injury, but he is a veteran. The Broncos' No. 3 quarterback is rookie Tom Brandstater.

--WR Brandon Stokley hasn't played too much this season as Denver's fourth receiver. He has not caught more than one pass in any of the Broncos' past six games.

--LB Andra Davis could see some extra playing time this week. The Broncos don't plan to substitute often against Peyton Manning, who likes to go without a huddle when teams try to swap players in and out. Davis usually comes off the field on passing downs.

GAME PLAN: The Broncos have to get pressure on Peyton Manning without blitzing, and their secondary has to hold up in coverage. They actually have the personnel to accomplish both of those goals. Elvis Dumervil, who leads the NFL in sacks, has to have a big week for Denver. The Broncos have allowed only one 40-yard pass play this year, the fewest in the NFL, so Manning might not be able to get a bunch of quick strikes against them.

Offensively, the Broncos' run game is coming alive at the right time. Knowshon Moreno and Correll Buckhalter will have to grind out yards to keep drives alive and keep Manning off the field. Denver can also spread the field and try to get mismatches against Indianapolis' young cornerbacks, but the line will have to give Kyle Orton time to throw.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH: Broncos RT Tyler Polumbus vs. Colts LDE Robert Mathis. This isn't a good week for the Broncos to lose right tackle Ryan Harris for the season. Mathis is a pass-rush specialist and will test the inexperienced Polumbus. The Broncos will likely have to help Polumbus with a tight end or running back, which will limit Kyle Orton's options when he drops back to throw.

Broncos CB Champ Bailey vs. Colts WR Reggie Wayne. This is a premier matchup, especially with Bailey playing well. He limited Chiefs receiver Chris Chambers to 11 yards last week. Bailey has been shadowing the opponent's best receiver the past few weeks, so he'll draw Wayne in coverage. While Manning respects Bailey, he won't ignore his side of the field, either, which will give Bailey a chance to make some plays.

Broncos S Brian Dawkins vs. Colts TE Dallas Clark. Dawkins is a gamer, usually playing through nagging injuries. The good news is he is able to practice this week, because the Broncos need him close to full speed against Clark. The Colts won't have a distinct mismatch against any of Denver's cornerbacks, so Clark could be featured.

INJURY IMPACT:

--S David Bruton returned to practice on Thursday, after being held out Wednesday with an ankle injury. If he continues to make strides he should be available on Sunday.

--S Brian Dawkins practiced in full again Thursday. He missed some practice time last week but will play this week in a tough matchup against the Colts.

--QB Kyle Orton is still on the injury report with an ankle injury but has practiced in full for a few weeks. Orton has shown he is fully healthy from an injury that caused him to miss a start against San Diego.