It’s a clean injury slate this week.
Last week, the Broncos were cautiously optimistic linebacker Al Wilson and rookie cornerback Darrent Williams would be able to help against the New England Patriots. Heading into the AFC championship game Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Broncos are more confident of their health. Wilson (thumb) and Williams (groin) emerged from the game without setback and Denver didn’t incur any significant injuries in the win.
“We’re good right now,” Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said. “Hope- fully, it stays that way.”
The Broncos are heading into the AFC title game as healthy as they have been in several weeks. Denver had six players listed as probable on its injury report Wednesday, and every player practiced as the Broncos began preparation for Sunday’s game in earnest.
The New England playoff game was Williams’ first game since suffering groin tears Dec. 11 against Baltimore. He is listed as probable on the Denver injury report.
Wilson is listed as probable after suffering a broken right thumb Dec. 24 against Oakland.
Pittsburgh has nine players on its injury report. Eight are probable, and linebacker James Harrison is listed as doubtful. Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (right thumb) is listed as probable.
Coaches go back
Shanahan and Steelers coach Bill Cowher have been friendly since they were assistant coaches during the 1980s. When Cowher was hired by Pittsburgh in 1992, he tried to hire Shanahan as his offensive coordinator. Shanahan ended up going to San Francisco in the same capacity. Cowher said trying to get Shanahan on his staff was a “no-brainer.”
“He’s one of the top coaches that’s ever coached in this game,” Cowher said.
Last year, Cowher made national headlines when he complained about the blocking techniques of Denver’s offensive linemen the day after Cincinnati’s Tony Williams suffered a broken leg after a block by Broncos right tackle George Foster. Foster was not fined, and the NFL said it was a clean play.
After Cowher’s comments, Shana- han showed the media film of nearly every NFL team using the same techniques. After making the comments, Cowher called his friend.
“He called me right away and said, ‘Hey, I didn’t mean anything personally,”‘ Shanahan said. “I knew he didn’t.”
Still in the running
Minnesota is resuming its search for a personnel department head, and Broncos director of pro personnel Rick Smith is expected to be interviewed after the Broncos’ season if a hire hasn’t been made. Minnesota is expected to interview former executives Rick Spielman and Ron Hill this week.
Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-820-5450 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
