It’s early, but the Broncos believe defensive tackle Gerard Warren will be in uniform Sunday at Pittsburgh.
Warren went through an entire practice Wednesday and is listed as probable on the injury report. He missed last weekend’s game against Indianapolis and most of the game at Cleveland on Oct. 22 with a sprain of his right big toe.
“If there’s no setback, Gerard should be ready to go,” Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said.
Added Warren: “I have to get through it, but I’m hoping I’ll be ready. I feel much improved.”
Warren is one of 10 players the Broncos list as probable for Sunday’s game. Every player went through a full practice Wednesday.
Running back Tatum Bell – who has two turf toe injuries – said he is sore but is hoping to play extensively Sunday. Undrafted rookie Mike Bell is likely to play quite a bit. Mike Bell rushed for 136 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries against the Colts. He ran extra sprints with rookie defensive end Elvis Dumervil after practice.
“Just in case I’m in the same situation I was in last week, I want to make sure I can finish the game, and that means getting in shape,” Mike Bell said.
Does he sense he will get more carries this weekend with Tatum Bell still in pain?
“I’m not sure. Tatum looked great in practice,” he said.
A real horror movie
The Broncos have not enjoyed watching film of their most recent meeting with Pittsburgh – a 34-17 loss in the AFC championship game last season at Invesco Field at Mile High.
“I probably looked at it 30 times, 35 times,” Shanahan said. “You look at the things you did poorly and you try to rectify those mistakes.”
Veteran safety John Lynch said the Broncos are approaching the game Sunday as if they will be playing the same Steelers who beat them in January, not the team struggling at 2-5.
“We’re playing the team that won the Super Bowl,” he said.
No room to preach
With the Broncos facing Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger on Sunday, Shanahan was asked if he has talked to his team about the dangers of riding a motorcycle. Roethlisberger was in a near-fatal motorcycle accident in June, and said in a conference call Wednesday he will not ride one again.
“We maybe talk about it one time a year at the start of camp and let everybody know that they are responsible for taking care of themselves,” Shanahan said. “Since I drive a motor- cycle, I don’t think that it would be very good to preach to the players about not getting on a motorcycle.”
Morgan eager to return
Broncos kick returner Quincy Morgan said he was shocked he was deactivated Sunday in favor of rookie Brian Clark.
“I’m working hard to get back out there,” Morgan said.
Morgan was cut by Pittsburgh in training camp. He was the Steelers’ returner last season before he was injured in the playoffs.
“I have no hard feeling for Pittsburgh,” Morgan said. “I have a Super Bowl ring. It was great times in Pittsburgh.”
Bailey set for salute
Cornerback Champ Bailey will be named the AFC defensive player of the month for October. Bailey made interceptions in three consecutive games. He also had 20 tackles and nine pass breakups.
Staff writer Mike Klis contributed to this report.
Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-954-1262 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
