Four days before the Broncos try to end a three-game losing streak, one of their top players still was not on the the field.
What are the chances of cornerback Champ Bailey being on the field Sunday night in a critical game against visiting Pittsburgh?
“We’ve got to keep our fingers crossed,” coach Mike Shanahan said after the Broncos’ workout Wednesday. “That’s all you do and just hope he gets better (today).”
Bailey said this week he didn’t know if he would be able to practice Wednesday, but he was confident he would play Sunday.
Nickel cornerback Domonique Foxworth would replace Bailey in the lineup against the Steelers if the seven-time Pro Bowl selection can’t play. Bailey left a 41-3 loss to San Diego on Oct. 7 with a pulled left quadriceps. Bailey said he hasn’t had a setback, but muscle pulls have to be carefully tended to or they can worsen. Bailey rehabilitated the injury and worked out in the team’s weight room during Wednesday’s practice.
Meanwhile, wide receiver Javon Walker did limited work in practice. He practiced Monday for the first time since Sept. 21. Walker missed the past two games with fluid on his right knee. Walker reiterated Wednesday he likely won’t be 100 percent until after the season.
Despite that, Walker said he is ready to help the Broncos (2-3) end their losing streak. “Get me the ball,” he said. “I know I can help.”
Jay Cutler said he is looking forward to getting Walker back.
“To get him back in the lineup, it will take some pressure off Brandon (Marshall),” the quarterback said. “Not sure where he will be out on the field yet, but he worked out for us today a little bit. Hopefully he’ll be ready by the game.”
Myers ready to go. Chris Myers is set to make his first start at center, replacing Tom Nalen, a 14-year veteran who had season-ending surgery for a torn right biceps he suffered during the San Diego game.
Myers had been playing left guard because of a season-ending concussion suffered by Ben Hamilton in early August. Myers practiced some at center in training camp. Myers and Cutler have been working to get their timing down for the past week.
“He gradually got better and better,” Cutler said. “Today he was clean with the (snaps), and crisp and quick. I think it will be an easy transition. He knows all the calls and feels comfortable in there.”
With Myers at center, Chris Kuper will make a start at left guard. Shanahan said the biggest transition will be with Kuper because Myers has been playing regularly.
“I think the big change will be Chris Kuper and how he’s going to do at the guard position,” Shanahan said. “Chris (Myers) has been there and got some playing experience in the preseason and the regular season. He can play the center and guard position. So we’ll get a feel for (Kuper)to see how he does and how cohesive they are. The three practices we have had, they’ve done a good job, but there’s a growing curve there.”
Faster draft. The NFL is expected to reduce the allotted time between making first-round picks in the draft from 15 minutes to 10 minutes.
Broncos general manager Ted Sundquist said the main difference will be teams must make quicker decisions on whether they will trade their pick while on the clock.
Said Sundquist: “I don’t see this reduction by five minutes significantly reducing trades in the first round, but it will put some added decision-making pressure on clubs as to whether to accept an offer or not by trimming the amount of time for discussion.”
Bill Williamson: 303-954-1262 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com
