Denver, CO -- (Sports Network) - The Broncos started Chris Simms in place of the injured Kyle Orton at quarterback Sunday in Denver's Week 11 showdown with San Diego.

The decision was reversed by head coach Josh McDaniels late in the second quarter as Simms proved ineffective, completing just 2-of-4 passes for 10 yards and losing a fumble in the red zone on Denver's opening drive.

Orton, who severely sprained his left ankle in last week's loss to Washington, was summoned in and limped his way through the rest of the game, completing 15-of-29 passes for 171 yards with an interception in the 32-3 loss.

Simms was making his first start in over three years. He took over for Orton last Sunday, but completed just 3-of-13 passes for 13 yards with an interception.

The last time Simms started under center was Week 3 of the 2006 season when he suffered internal bleeding and had to have emergency surgery to have his spleen removed following a nasty hit. The injury cost him the rest of that season and all of the next.

Denver started the season 6-0, but has since dropped four straight to fall into second place in the AFC West behind the Chargers.