This game is why the Broncos paid Boss Bailey the big bucks.
Also known as Champ’s younger brother, Boss Bailey in his own right is a strongside linebacker whose tight-end coverage is considered the strongest part of his game.
The San Diego Chargers, who play the Broncos Sunday afternoon in an AFC West showdown at Invesco Field, have arguably the game’s best tight end in Antonio Gates.
Besides two games a year against Gates, the Broncos play two games against the Kansas City Chiefs, whose best receiving threat is tight end Tony Gonzalez.
Enter Boss Bailey, signed by the Broncos to a five-year contract this offseason. He didn’t play last week as the Broncos gave him more time to heal the high ankle sprain he suffered a month ago in a preseason game at Houston.
Jamie Winborn played well at strongside linebacker Monday against the Oakland Raiders, tying for third on the team with six tackles. But the position belongs to Boss Bailey once he’s healthy.
There’s a good chance Bailey will start Sunday against Gates and the Chargers.
“Boss was out there today, and if he feels good, he’ll probably go,” Winborn said. “If not, then I’ll probably go. I’m sure it will be a game- time decision.”
Hang in there, Tom.
It’s times like these when even Tom Brady needs friends, and the New England quarterback has one in ex-teammate Daniel Graham, the Broncos’ tight end. Brady suffered a season-ending knee injury Sunday.
“Yeah, I talked to him, told him I was thinking about him,” Graham said. “It’s tough when you go out, especially this early in the season. But his spirits were good and he’s getting a lot of support. He’s just going to do what he has to do through rehab to get ready for next year.”
Parsons and Dinger.
Former Broncos quarterback Preston Parsons was minding his own business, which was selling surgical spinal supplies in the Denver area, when his former offensive coordinator, Mike Heimerdinger, offered him a job on the Tennessee Titans’ practice squad.
Goodbye, medical sales. Hello, football.
“It’s crazy stuff,” Parsons said in a text message. “They brought me out of retirement.”
Torain update.
The Broncos’ offense looks stout now with Jay Cutler, Brandon Marshall, Eddie Royal, Tony Scheffler, Selvin Young and Andre Hall as the top threats.
Imagine how potent the offense can become if rookie running back Ryan Torain returns to play as the Broncos believe he can. Torain said Thursday his dislocated elbow injury will take the full three-month term for recovery, meaning his return would come during the bye week, after Game 7 at New England. He was injured August 6.
He has been riding a stationary bike at least 30 minutes a day, and even without the use of his left arm, he has been following an arduous weightlifting routine.
Footnotes.
Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said center Tom Nalen was a little more active in practice Thursday “but is still a ways away from playing.” . . . Broncos’ defensive end Elvis Dumervil has three stitches in his upper lip. “I got chop-blocked in the (Oakland) game,” he said. . . . Linebacker Louis Green remains out with a hamstring strain. . . . Chargers star tailback LaDainian Tomlinson has been bothered by turf toe but is expected to practice today and play Sunday.
Mike Klis, The Denver Post
