Broncos notes: Game plans same regardless of quarterback

ENGLEWOOD – The Denver Broncos’ top two quarterbacks have different skills, and don’t even throw with the same arm, but the plays and lineup will stay the same no matter who plays against San Diego.

Denver won’t draw up one game plan for Kyle Orton if he can start despite a left ankle injury, and another for backup Chris Simms if Orton can’t go. And the Broncos won’t switch left tackle Ryan Clady to right tackle to protect the left-handed Simms’ blind side if he has to start. If Orton can’t play – he didn’t practice Wednesday but said he hopes to start this week – there will be few differences in the Broncos’ strategy.

“The only thing that may change is if we’re going to sprint out right or sprint out left, it will be based on which quarterback is in the game,” Broncos coach Josh McDaniels said.

McDaniels said the plan will be based on what gives the offense the best chance for success against the Chargers. Practice and preparation would be too difficult with two game plans to digest.  

“I don’t think you can do that to your other players,” McDaniels said. “They have to practice and study one type of plan.”

Odds and ends

ESPN.com reported that the Buffalo Bills, who fired coach Dick Jauron on Tuesday, contacted former Broncos coach Mike Shanahan about the open position Wednesday and are trying to set up a meeting. … Offensive tackle Ryan Harris (toe), safety Josh Barrett (hamstring), receiver Brandon Marshall (neck) and running back LaMont Jordan (back) joined Orton as nonparticipants in Wednesday’s practice. Running back Correll Buckhalter (knee) and receiver Brandon Lloyd (foot) were limited.