The Broncos’ injury report couldn’t get many more big names on it heading into a pivotal game at Indianapolis. It seems the fine print is scarier than the actual prognosis.
Quarterback Jay Cutler, who has a minor left ankle injury, participated fully in Wednesday’s practice
“It feels all right,” Cutler said. “It’s a little tender. We’ll take it day by day, and by the end of the week we’ll get a little better gauge of what I can do and what I can’t.”
Javon Walker didn’t practice as a precaution. Coach Mike Shanahan said Walker has had some swelling on his surgically repaired knee for the past couple of weeks. Shanahan said Walker had an MRI that showed no serious issues and that he will be able to play against the Colts.
There is a question regarding safety John Lynch’s availability, and the mystery will remain at least until Friday. Lynch didn’t practice, and Shanahan said he likely won’t work today. Shanahan said the goal is for Lynch to “test” his injured groin Friday in practice.
“We will find out during the week where he is at,” Shanahan said of Lynch. “Right now, same thing we’ve talked about earlier, he’s sore, and we’ll see how the week goes.”
Curome Cox and Domonique Foxworth will play for Lynch if he can’t. However, Foxworth will likely play extensively at nickel cornerback against the pass-happy Colts. Foxworth is practicing and is expected to play after missing the past two games with an ankle injury.
In addition to Walker and Lynch, backup fullback Mike Bell was kept out of practice with a concussion. He is day to day. Special-teams player Paul Smith practiced after leaving Sunday’s loss against Jacksonville with a pinched nerve in his neck.
Rookie left tackle Ryan Harris returned to practice for the first time since his Aug. 15 back surgery. He expects to be ready to back up Matt Lepsis on Sunday if needed.
Rookie defensive end Tim Crowder said he expects to make his debut Sunday. He has been hobbled by an ankle injury since Aug. 16.
Sticking with Hix
Domenik Hixon hasn’t started off his NFL return career brilliantly. But special-teams coach Scott O’Brien believes Hixon will start performing at a high level.
“I like everything about him, especially his toughness,” O’Brien said of the 2006 fourth-round pick who was injured all last season. “He is not scared of anything, and he is getting close.”
Hixon is averaging 23.4 yards per kick return and 4.6 per punt return. He lost a fumble on the opening kickoff against the Jaguars. O’Brien said Hixon will remain the returner.
“You don’t make a switch when the learning is still going on,” O’Brien said. “He is still learning and he is getting it. I think teams regret when they pull the trigger on a guy who is still young and then he goes somewhere else and figures it all out. That won’t happen here.”
Mixed signals
Colts quarterback Peyton Manning expects former teammate Brandon Stokley to help the Broncos defense out this week in giving information about the Colts and their offensive signals.
“You have to take that into account,” Manning said.
Cutler said he believes the Colts will adjust.
“I’m sure he’s talking to the defensive guys a little bit, giving them some heads up,” Cutler said.
Staff writer Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-954-1262 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
