The defense is dominating the Broncos’ lengthy injury report, but don’t forget Rod Smith and Tatum Bell. They are kind of important, too.
Like the six defensive starters who are listed as questionable, so are Smith and Bell. The good news for Denver is that Smith and Bell both made it through practice Wednesday.
Smith has a separated shoulder, and Bell is continuing to battle two turf toe injuries. Smith was injured, but continued to play at Pittsburgh on Sunday, while Bell missed the game.
“They both practiced,” Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said Wednesday. “We’ll see how the week goes.”
If Smith can’t play or is limited at Oakland on Sunday, reserves David Kircus and Brandon Marshall likely will play more. Mike Bell would continue to start if Tatum Bell can’t play. Cedric Cobbs also could be a candidate for more playing time.
“We’ll see how it goes,” Tatum Bell said.
Fullback Kyle Johnson is questionable with an ankle injury that has been bothering him for several weeks. Meanwhile, Shanahan said fourth-round pick Domenik Hixon looked good in his first practice with the team. Hixon, who had been out with a broken foot, is practicing during a three-week window while the Broncos decide to activate him or return him to the injured list.
An emotional return
Broncos receiver Javon Walker will be making his second trip to Oakland. His first game there was successful, but heartbreaking. On Dec. 22, 2003, Walker, in his second NFL season, registered his second 100-yard receiving and multiple touchdown game. Green Bay routed Oakland, as Walker had four catches for 124 yards, including two touchdown receptions.
The Monday night game was the night after the father of Green Bay quarterback Brett Favre died suddenly.
“That’s something that I’ll probably always remember, just because of that day,” Walker said in a conference call with Oakland reporters.
May stay at 52
Shanahan said it wasn’t out of the question for the team to play at Oakland one shy of the 53-man roster limit. A roster spot was opened when safety Sam Brandon went on the injured reserve Tuesday.
Shanahan said the Broncos could make a move later in the week, depending on the progress of its injured players. Any roster addition likely would come from the practice squad. If the Broncos don’t add a player, they would make only seven players inactive at Oakland instead of the usual eight.
Oakland update
Raiders receiver Jerry Porter was not at practice Wednesday. Coach Art Shell told Oakland reporters it was for personal reasons and Porter is expected to return to practice today. … Guard Barry Sims likely will miss the game with abdominal injury. Running back LaMont Jordan missed some time Wednesday with a back injury, but is listed as probable.
Footnotes
With half the season elapsed, Denver has allowed seven touchdowns, on pace to set an NFL record of 14. The 2000 Baltimore Ravens, who won the Super Bowl that season, own the record with 18 touchdowns allowed. … After a review, the Elias Sports Bureau has split a sack in Sunday’s game between Demetrin Veal and Gerard Warren. Originally, the sack was given solely to Veal. … Former Broncos running back great and Hall of Fame nominee Terrell Davis was at the facility Wednesday.
Staff writer Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-954-1262 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
