Colts week is no time for a defensive player to be at less than his best. That belief is what may decide whether the Broncos will have the services of safety John Lynch on Sunday at Indianapolis.
Lynch said Thursday he has made daily progress in recovering from a groin injury he aggravated in a loss to Jacksonville on Sunday. Today will be a key day in his rehabilitation when he plans to test his injury on the practice field. He missed the first two days of practice this week after sitting out the second half against the Jaguars. Lynch said he originally injured his groin the week before against Oakland.
Lynch said practice today will give him a better indication of whether he can play against the high-powered Colts and Peyton Manning. Lynch said it may not help the team’s chances of winning to have a player out there who is significantly less than 100 percent.
“You got to be right for this game,” Lynch said. “It’s not going to be a slugfest in the box. You’re going to be running around chasing people.”
While Lynch attempts to get ready for the Colts, receiver Javon Walker missed his second consecutive day of practice, but Walker said he will definitely play against the Colts. He sat out the past two days with swelling in his right knee, which was surgically repaired two years ago. Walker’s knee was iced while he stood on the sidelines early in Thursday’s practice. Coach Mike Shanahan said Walker had an MRI on the knee and there are no serious issues.
Walker said the swelling has nothing to do with his repaired torn anterior cruciate ligament and that it is normal wear and tear. “It’s just football,” Walker said.
Walker said if the swelling persists, he may take more time off from future practices, but the situation shouldn’t keep him out of games.
Quarterback Jay Cutler practiced Thursday for the second day without any issues. Cutler suffered a minor left ankle sprain late in the fourth quarter against the Jaguars.
Bell out
Backup fullback Mike Bell will not play against the Colts. He suffered a concussion against the Jaguars while playing on kickoff coverage. Bell said he expects to play Oct. 7 against San Diego at Invesco Field at Mile High.
Bell has been backing up Cecil Sapp at fullback and playing on special teams. Paul Smith will back up Sapp with Bell out Sunday.
Peterson nears return
Defensive lineman Kenny Peterson’s four-game NFL suspension ends after the Colts’ game. Peterson was suspended in July for violating the league’s steroid policy.
Per league policy, Peterson can return to the Broncos on Monday and spend the week practicing before the team has to decide whether to add him to the roster (which would require the release of another player) or release him. Peterson was cut on the eve of training camp, but re-signed soon after. The team likes Peterson because of his size and versatility. He can play both inside and outside.
The Broncos have 10 defensive linemen on the roster, more than any other position. Each week, they have activated eight defensive linemen, with tackles Antwon Burton and Alvin McKinley alternating on the inactive list while rookie defensive end Tim Crowder has been inactive with an ankle injury. Crowder has recovered and is expected to play this week.
Footnotes
Colts standout safety Bob Sanders didn’t participate in practice Thursday because of a team decision. … The Broncos haven’t allowed an opening-possession touchdown in their past 21 games, which leads the NFL.
Staff writer Bill Williamsoncan be reached at 303-954-1262 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
