As the Broncos cram their preparations for the Texans into a short week, receiver Javon Walker went full speed at practice Tuesday, and Brandon Stokley sat out.
The team expects Walker to be available Thursday at Houston, but today will be key for Stokley. Both are dealing with knee injuries. Sunday, against Kansas City, Stokley played after practicing only on Friday. Walker did not play.
“I think I’m playing,” Walker said. “It’s the coach’s decision, but I think I’ll be out here and ready to go.”
Safety Nick Ferguson (knee) sat out Tuesday and appears questionable. He likely will be able to play Dec. 24 at San Diego.
Houston running back Ron Dayne (ankle), linebacker DeMeco Ryans (ankle) and quarterback Matt Schaub (shoulder) didn’t practice. Quarterback Sage Rosenfels likely will start and Dayne could be replaced by Darius Walker.
Attorney sticks up for coach. Broncos coach Mike Shanahan took the high road when talking about his $25,000 fine for commenting about Travis Henry’s NFL appeal on Nov. 12. Shanahan said Henry took independent hair sample and lie detector tests in preparation for his appeal of a drug suspension. Shanahan has said he only was offering support of his player, and has not complained about the fine.
Meanwhile, Denver attorney Harvey Steinberg, who presented Henry’s appeal, said it was unfair Shanahan was fined.
“Shanahan’s situation wasn’t to try to impact the confidentiality of the drug program. That had already been compromised as the result of litigation in New York. Shanahan was in a situation where he was being pressed by members of the media for a response to the situation,” Steinberg said.
Footnote. Chicago signed Jimmy Kennedy, who was cut by Denver in September.
Staff writer Mike Klis contributed to this report.
