Backup Chris Simms took the snaps for the Denver Broncos with the starters again Thursday, making it increasingly likely he'll start against San Diego on Sunday in place of Kyle Orton , who hasn't practiced since spraining his left ankle last week at Washington.
Simms hasn't started a game since Sept. 24, 2006, when he played for Tampa Bay and was battered so badly by Carolina that he needed emergency surgery to remove his spleen.
FALCONS: Jerious Norwood returned to practice Thursday, and the team hopes its No. 2 running back can play against the New York Giants on Sunday.
Norwood has been sidelined by a hip flexor.
VIKINGS: Signed coach Brad Childress to a contract extension.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed. But ESPN.com reported the extension would keep Childress in Minnesota through the 2013 season.
REDSKINS: Clinton Portis will miss his second consecutive game as he recovers from a concussion. The running back was ruled out for Sunday's game at Dallas.
GIANTS: After missing the first nine games with a severe hamstring strain, cornerback Aaron Ross is poised to make his 2009 debut against Atlanta.
SAINTS: Reggie Bush has missed two practices this week as New Orleans tries to rest its running back's left knee.
Coach Sean Payton hopes Bush can practice today, but that the team will be cautious about doing anything that could set him back.
BILLS: Firing head coach Dick Jauron was merely the start of a major overhaul owner Ralph Wilson is prepared to conduct this off-season.
Wilson said he's open to going after a high-profile coach, is willing to hire a general manager with a football background, and warned that no position on his team is safe.
- QB Brian Brohm rejected an offer to stay in Green Bay to pursue a fresh start in Buffalo.
The Augusta Chronicle ©2010. All Rights Reserved.
