Last week, Kyle Orton was the third quarterback for the Broncos because his rib injury was too serious for him to play behind Tim Tebow.
Orton insisted this week that he is healthy enough to play, but he is the third quarterback once again. Brady Quinn will back up Tebow against the Texans.
Based on Orton’s comments about the current situation earlier in the week, that’s likely to cause some upset with the guy the Broncos gave a big new contract during the 2010 season. Consider it all more fuel for the fire of what should be quite the offseason soap opera in Denver as they decide what to do with Orton and his $5.5 million in guaranteed salary for the 2011 season.
Andre Johnson won’t be leaving Houston after the season, but he also won’t be playing on Sunday. Despite optimism earlier in the week, Johnson’s ankle hasn’t healed enough to allow him to play on Sunday. Jacoby Jones will start in his place.
The other Broncos inactives are wide receiver Demaryius Thomas, running back Laurence Maroney, defensive back Chevis Jackson, defensive back Darcel McBath, guard Stanley Daniels, guard Eric Olsen and offensive lineman Jeff Byers
Matt Leinart is a less intriguing third quarterback for the Texans. Their other inactives are cornerback Brice McCain, defensive tackle DeMario Pressley, guard Shelley Smith, defensive end Jarvis Green, tight end Anthony Hill and tight end Garrett Graham.
