While the game film didn’t offer the Broncos any consolation, the medical charts did Monday in the aftermath of a stunning 34-10 season-opening loss at Miami.
Making the sting of Sunday’s throttling feel worse was the prospect of having to play extensive time without star left cornerback Champ Bailey and starting tailback Mike Anderson, as they did for much of the defeat. However, MRI results for both players revealed good news.
Bailey, who was hurt on the first play of the second half, has a dislocated left shoulder instead of a separated shoulder, as was first feared. He is a longshot to play against the Chargers on Sunday at Invesco Field and could miss up to two games.
Anderson, perhaps the team’s best scoring threat, was hurt in the first quarter with some separation in his ribs, but suffered no major damage. Denver coach Mike Shanahan said Anderson’s availability Sunday will depend on his pain tolerance.
“I’d say Mike has a better chance of playing,” Shanahan said. “And Champ can’t ever be counted out because he’s so tough and he has such a desire to play. But I’d say it’s a longshot.”
Bailey agrees it is unlikely he’ll play against the Chargers, but said no decision will be made until Sunday morning. He will rehabilitate this week with the intention of playing.
Bailey never has missed an NFL regular-season game. His 97 consecutive games are the longest current streak by a cornerback in the NFL.
“I’ve been banged up worse than this and played, so I’m hoping I’ll play,” Bailey said. “I may miss this week, but we’ll see what happens. I’m going to try like crazy.”
Bailey tried to talk the team’s medical staff into letting him back on the field at Miami.
Wearing a harness, although cumbersome, may help Bailey get back on the field against San Diego. Safety John Lynch once had a similar injury and played the following week in a harness.
“I don’t know Champ’s situation, but if one guy can play it’s him because he’s so tough,” Lynch said.
If Bailey can’t play, third- round pick Domonique Foxworth likely will play extensively against the pass-happy Chargers. Foxworth and fellow rookie Darrent Williams likely will play often with starter Lenny Walls.
“If Champ is out, I’ll be ready,” Foxworth said. “You always have to be ready.”
If Anderson can’t play Sunday, Tatum Bell, who replaced him at Miami, and Ron Dayne likely will get most of the carries. There’s a good chance Anderson will test his injury against the Chargers. Anderson was told playing will not worsen his injury, but he will have pain. He said he already felt better Monday.
Shanahan said Anderson was given a pain shot Sunday, but it was ineffective. A similar pain- numbing shot could be given to Anderson before Sunday’s game.
Shanahan said it will come down to pain tolerance for Anderson and Bailey.
“There is a difference between an injury and being hurt,” Shanahan said. “If these guys are hurt, they will play. If they are injured, they can’t play, but there are certain situations where they hurt themselves but they have to go out there and perform.
“Both of those guys would obviously play if they were hurt, but we will have to evaluate them later in the week.”
Staff writer Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-820-5450 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
