Prater’s 40-yard field goal lifts Denver to 3-0 lead over Steelers after one quarter

Broncos lead Steelers 3-0 after one quarter

DENVER — Matt Prater connected on a 40-yard field goal on Denver’s opening drive, helping the Broncos to a 3-0 lead over the Pittsburgh Steelers after one quarter Monday night.

It was the first time this season that Denver has come away with points on its first possession.

The Steelers were without safety Ryan Clark after the team elected to hold him out rather than take a risk with his health.

Clark nearly died after a game in the Mile High City two years ago because of a rare blood disorder that is aggravated by playing in high altitude. Clark had his spleen and gall bladder removed in separate operations following the Steelers’ loss in Denver in 2007.

Pittsburgh’s opening drive stalled when Ben Roethlisberger was sacked by Elvis Dumervil and Darrell Reid on a third-and-4 play at the Steelers 37.

Dumervil has 10½ sacks this season.

Brandon Marshall made a colorful appearance as he wore neon orange cleats. Marshall had five catches for 39 yards.

The Broncos moved the ball down the field via the air on their opening drive. Eddie Royal was the beneficiary as he caught three passes for 47 yards.

However, the drive came to a halt at the 22 yard line when William Gay batted away a pass intended for Royal on third down.

Prater is 5 of 7 from 40 or more yards.

Under first-year coach Josh McDaniels, the Broncos (6-1) are one of the surprises of the league so far this season. They’re coming off a loss at Baltimore last weekend. Pittsburgh (5-2) has reeled off four straight wins since starting the season 1-2.

Clark was one of three defensive starters out of the game for Pittsburgh. Defensive end Travis Kirschke (calf) and linebacker Lawrence Timmons (ankle) also were inactive.

In the days leading up to the game, many of Clark’s teammates urged him to skip the game.

About 2½ hours before kickoff, Clark laced up his running shoes and did some light running on the field. He ran from one sideline to the other, then walked back before taking off again. Clark has started the last seven games, but was replaced by Tyrone Carter.

The Broncos were without starting right tackle Ryan Harris (toe) and defensive lineman Ryan McBean (knee). Running back Peyton Hillis also was inactive after missing most of the week of practice for personal reasons.

The Broncos made just their second in-season roster move last week, bringing in defensive back Ty Law after releasing Jack Williams.

Law has been quite busy in recent days, celebrating the birth of his third child last Tuesday and then signing with Denver on Saturday.

The 35-year-old Law gives Denver five players in the defensive backfield who are older than 30. Law said it was rejuvenating to be included in a grizzled secondary that includes Champ Bailey, Andre’ Goodman, Renaldo Hill and Brian Dawkins.

Law made his first appearance in a passing situation during the first quarter.

Although the Broncos and Steelers have been perennial forces in the AFC, this was the first time in more than 23 years they have met on Monday night.