The Denver Broncos are preparing for their big game on Sunday and the news and rumors are ramping up.
Check out the latest buzz below.
Injuries Create Challenge for Broncos
Denver is dealing with a number of injuries, and some of the injured players missed practice on Wednesday.
Linebacker Brandon Marshall (concussion) and cornerbacks Aqib Talib (hamstring) and Kayvon Webster (dislocated shoulder) did not practice, reported the Denver Post.
Talib participated in 17 plays last weekend as he tries to work through the injury. Cornerback Kayvon Webster also missed practice (right shoulder).
Denver expects Marshall to start on Sunday, but are preparing if he doesn’t. Marshall is the team’s leading tackler and has played 95.5 percent of the team’s snaps this season, and is in every defensive grouping.
If Marshall doesn’t play, rookies Lamin Barrow and Corey Nelson would help fill in, along with Steven Johnson and possibly new addition Todd Davis, reported ESPN.
Webster is less likely to play. If he doesn’t, Omar Bolden could possibly see time in nickel packages.
Tight end Julius Thomas (sprained ankle) warmed up with the team but worked with a strength coach on the sideline.
Thomas says his ankle continues to improve and is optimistic he’ll play against the Chiefs.
Danny Trevathan also joined the practice, for the first time since suffering a crack above his knee in week 6.
Trevathan became eligible to return to practice Wednesday as part of the procedure for players on the recallable injured reserve list, but will not be able to play until Week 15 at San Diego, reported the Broncos website.
Head coach John Fox said that Trevathan will be eased in over the next two weeks in practice.
“He had a good practice,” Fox said.
Meanwhile, running backs Montee Ball (groin) and Ronnie Hillman (foot) didn’t practice. Defensive end Quanterus Smith (ankle) and safety Quinton Carter (knee) were limited in Wednesday’s practice but both are expected to play Sunday.
Manning Looking to Keep it Simple
Peyton Manning says the Broncos want to keep it simple against the Chiefs.
“I think you’re just looking for production as an offense every single week,” he told the Post.
“Executing the plays that are being called or being audibled to. Our execution was good last Sunday (in a win over the Dolphins) and we’re looking for that kind of execution every single week.”
The team had a nice run-pass balance in the win and Manning is fine with more running against the Chief’s top-ranked passing defense.
I think this team has good flexibility, and I think that’s important,” he said. “For a player to be able to move to a different spot, to be able to run different types of plays and different types of formations and win games different types of ways, I think that’s important for any team. And I feel this team can do that.”
Manning praised C.J. Anderson, who has been averaging 5.8 yards per carry over the last three games.
In other news, Manning leads the Pro Bowl voting among quarterbacks with 576,45 votes as of Wednesday.
Aaron Rodgers is second with 498,826 followed by Andrew Luck with 468,412.
Von Miller is also first in his position, leading outside linebackers with 165,045 votes.
Meanwhile, Manning’s PeyBack Foundation announced that it will provide 2,000 dinners on Thanksgiving to those in need in both Denver and Indianapolis, good enough to feed nearly 20,000 people.
“Each meal, which can feed up to 10 people, includes a pre-cooked turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, rolls, vegetables and a pumpkin pie from King Soopers,” it announced.
“The Foundation selected the 1,000 families in Denver through various community agencies, and each family has been given a voucher to redeem at their local King Soopers.”
