After missing the big plugger in the middle last week against the Colts, it appears the Broncos will have Gerard Warren on the field Sunday at Pittsburgh.
“He will play,” Denver coach Mike Shanahan said Friday.
Warren departed early in the Broncos’ 17-7 win at Cleveland on Oct. 22 after spraining his right big toe. He didn’t play in Denver’s 34-31 loss to Indianapolis last week. Warren’s injury replacement, Demetrin Veal, will likely play a lot against the Steelers as Warren gets back into his role. Shanahan said he felt comfortable with Warren’s playing status after the defensive tackle worked all week in practice.
Meanwhile, it still appears rookie running back Mike Bell will get a majority of the carries against the Steelers.
Shanahan said he was encouraged by Tatum Bell’s turf toe injuries. But because the injuries take an extended time to heal, Tatum Bell could play a reduced role. Backup Cedric Cobbs may get some playing time.
Mike Bell had 136 yards against the Colts on 15 carries as he spelled the injured Tatum Bell.
“It’s going to be tough playing against the Steelers this week,” Mike Bell said. “But I always look forward to playing.”
Footnotes
Practice squad quarterback Preston Parsons had an excused absence from practice Friday … Sunday is the Broncos’ first game at Heinz Field. After Sunday the only current stadium Denver will not have played in is Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial.
Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-954-1262 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
