For the second time in two weeks, Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey received good news after undergoing an MRI.
And for the second time in two weeks, the Bailey watch is on the clock.
The MRI results came back negative, showing that Bailey’s left hamstring was not torn Monday night during Denver’s 30-10 victory over visiting Kansas City. Bailey left the game in the second quarter after aggravating an injury that kept him out the entire preseason.
Bailey’s agent, Jack Reale, said it has not been determined how long Bailey will miss, but it is likely the veteran starter could miss some time.
However, Reale said Bailey might play Sunday at Jacksonville because of his toughness. He was supposed to miss two weeks with a dislocated shoulder he suffered Sept. 11 at Miami, but had an interception return for a touchdown in Denver’s 20-17 win over San Diego on Sept. 18. Bailey has played in all 99 games since he entered the NFL in 1999. It’s the longest current streak among cornerbacks in the league.
“I wouldn’t bet against Champ,” Reale said. “He’s going to try, and we all know that he hasn’t missed a game.”
Coming back from a hamstring injury likely will prove more difficult for a cornerback than doing the same from a shoulder injury. If Bailey doesn’t play Sunday at Jacksonville, Lenny Walls, who has been replaced by Darrent Williams, and Domonique Foxworth likely would play more.
Also, the Broncos expect wide receiver Rod Smith, who suffered a concussion Monday night, to play against the Jaguars. Smith could miss some practice time. Backup linebacker Louis Green (left hamstring) could miss some time as well.
