Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey practiced for the first time Thursday since tearing his groin muscle Oct. 20 at New England.
The injury was expected to keep him out for three to five weeks — meaning this Sunday’s game at Atlanta would be the very earliest he could be back.
He did light jogging in workouts on Monday and Wednesday but Thursday marked his first time back in a jersey and shoulder pads.
If Bailey were to return this Sunday for an 11 a.m. MST game at Atlanta against the Falcons, it would mark a homecoming. Bailey is from Folkston in southeast Georgia, went to the University of Georgia and has several family members in the Atlanta area.
The Broncos’ secondary has played well in Bailey’s absence for two games with Karl Paymah filling in at left corner.
However Bailey’s potential return would be a major boost for a defense that is also missing three starting linebackers (D.J. Williams, Nate Webster and Champ’s brother, Boss Bailey) and its starting free safety (Marlon McCree).
