DENVER FACING MIAMI WITH AILING TAILBACK CORPS
No position is ailing more than running back going into Sunday’s game against Miami. Each of Denver’s four tailbacks are listed as questionable.
Rookie Ryan Torain is the healthiest of the team’s backs, but has practiced for less than two weeks since returning from a dislocated elbow. Torain had surgery after suffering the injury Aug. 3 and needed three months to rehabilitate.
Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said earlier this week he was hesitant to use Torain against the Dolphins, but the team might not have another choice.
Michael Pittman has started the past two games but bruised his ribs against New England. He completed that game but said Friday his ribs aren’t completely healed. He has worn extra rib padding in practice and will in the game, as well.
“I plan on playing,” Pittman said. “I went out and practiced and felt pretty good.”
Selvin Young, the starter for the first month, has not played since straining his groin against Tampa Bay. He was limited in practice all week.
Andre Hall injured his ankle in practice this week. He did not practice Thursday but was limited in the walkthrough Friday. Hall, the Broncos’ No. 1 kickoff returner, said the injury was painful but that he intends to play.
Scheffler, Stokley questionable.
Also questionable for Sunday’s game are tight end Tony Scheffler (groin) and wide receiver Brandon Stokley (concussion).
Scheffler said he feels recovered enough to play, but whether he does won’t be up to him.
“I’m at the point where I could play if I had to,” Scheffler said.
Scheffler has not played since suffering the groin injury late in the second half of Denver’s win against the Buccaneers on Oct. 5.
Stokley suffered his concussion in the first quarter against Jacksonville on Oct. 12.
Footnotes.
As of Friday afternoon, quarterback Darrell Hackney remained on the practice squad. He is expected to be signed to the active roster before Sunday’s game to be Jay Cutler’s backup. . . . Also on Friday, defensive tackle Josh Shaw remained on the reserve/suspended list, though he participated in practice all week. . . . Cornerback Champ Bailey (groin) is the only player already ruled out of Sunday’s game. Lindsay H. Jones, The Denver Post
