When the Broncos went to work on Thanksgiving Day, no two players were more appreciative than Kyle Johnson and Mike Bell.
Johnson is no longer a former Broncos fullback. He is once again a current Broncos fullback, albeit as a backup to Cecil Sapp, after Johnson was re-signed by the team Thursday. The Broncos’ top fullback from 2004-06, Johnson was a surprising final roster cut in September.
“I think the whole team can give thanks because in times like these, you understand what a privilege you get playing the game of football,” Johnson said.
The timing of his return coincides with injuries that have ravaged the Broncos’ tailback spot. Travis Henry and Selvin Young again missed practice Thursday with knee injuries. Henry will probably miss his third straight game Sunday at Chicago, but Young is expected to practice today.
If neither Henry nor Young is available, the Broncos will start the diminutive Andre Hall, who was cut in his rookie training camp with the Bears last year and has 15 career carries for 108 yards.
“No chip,” Hall said. “I’m just going to run for the win. You get caught up in all that other stuff, you won’t play effectively.”
Hall’s backup could well be Bell, who has been working out at both fullback and tailback this week. Bell rushed for 677 yards and eight touchdowns as a rookie running back last year, but was moved to fullback in the final week of preseason and has played sparingly this year.
To make room for Johnson on the roster, the Broncos waived guard Isaac Snell.
Mike Klis: 303-954-1055 or mklis@denverpost.com
