The Week 8 contest between the undefeated Indianapolis Colts and the 5-1 Broncos got under way this afternoon at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver. The Broncos led 14-6 at halftime.
The Broncos scored the game’s first touchdown on a sneak by quarterback Jake Plummer with 11:16 remaining in the second quarter. They added a touchdown with 22 seconds remaining in the first half on a 15-yard TD passs from Plummer to Javon Walker.
The Colts opened the scoring with a 42-yard field goal by Adam Vinatieri with 1:45 remaining in the first quarter, concluding a 14-play drive of more than eight minutes. Vinatieri added a 3-yarder with 5:10 remaining in the second quarter.
The game marked the first start at left tackle for Denver’s Erik Pears, who is now responsible for protecting the blindside of the embattled Plummer. Former starter Matt Lepsis injured a knee at Cleveland last week and will miss the rest of the season.
The Broncos’ Plummer had the lowest passer rating in the NFL going into the game with Indy. His performance has been overshadowed, however, by the Broncos defense, which is yielding a league-low 7.3 points per game.
Broncos defensive lineman Gerard Warren was inactive for the game because of a toe injury.
The Colts placed safety Bob Sanders (knee) and defensive tackle Montae Reagor (facial injury) on the inactive list.
Sanders was inactive for his fifth game since arthroscopic knee surgery. Reagor was in a car accident on his way to the stadium for last week’s game against Washington. He broke a bone in his face and coach Tony Dungy said he didn’t know how long the injury would keep Reagor out.
Warren practiced Friday for the Broncos and coach Mike Shanahan said he thought the lineman might play.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.