Despite a slew of injuries that have given the depth chart an expiration date as long as warm milk, the Broncos, somewhat amazingly, continue to hold the AFC West lead.
But at no time this season will those injuries be more difficult to overcome than right now. Coach Mike Shanahan said Wednesday from the team’s headquarters at Dove Valley that the players in front of Jay Cutler are hurting.
The newest batch of bumps and bruises is affecting Denver’s offensive line, one of the NFL’s best this season at protecting the quarterback — and Denver’s high-flying passing game.
Guard Chris Kuper (broken left hand) and tackle Ryan Clady (twisted right ankle) are questionable for the Broncos’ lineup Sunday, when they host the Buffalo Bills.
“We will find out over the next couple of days,” Shanahan said. “(Kuper’s hand) is quite sore right now. Ryan Clady is sore right now but we will have to just wait and see.”
The Broncos (8-6) can clinch their 11th AFC West title with a win over Buffalo (6-8), or if the San Diego Chargers (6-8) lose at Tampa Bay (9-5).
When asked if Clady will return to practice this week, Shanahan seemed to have his fingers crossed.
“I hope so,” he said. “If he doesn’t, then he won’t be able to play. We will find out. He couldn’t practice today because he is still quite sore. Hopefully it heals up before game time.”
The Broncos and Tennessee Titans (12-2) have led their respective divisions all season. Since the NFL adopted a 16-game schedule in 1978, only three teams have led their division after each game.
Denver has stayed atop its division behind young fill-ins across the roster. The team’s secondary could again be anchored by two rookies this Sunday — cornerback Josh Bell and safety Josh Barrett.
“It is a great opportunity for these guys who have never been in the playoffs, who have never had a chance to fight for a playoff spot,” Shanahan said. “It is what you look forward to and it is a great opportunity and hopefully we take advantage of it.”
Will Champ return?
Perhaps the Broncos’ biggest question mark is cornerback Champ Bailey, who hasn’t been in the lineup for eight weeks. Bailey, now in his 10th season, had never missed more than three games.
“We have to see something (from him) on Friday or Saturday,” Shanahan said of Bailey. “You can kind of see by his mannerisms if there is a chance to play. Sometimes there is, sometimes there is not.
“He looked a little bit better today so that was a good sign. Champ knows if he can go. He is very competitive. He is not a guy that you have to tell to go. He is a guy that wants to go before you tell him. We will look at him during the week and get a feeling if there is a chance.”
If the Broncos can clinch the division title and its playoff berth with a win over Buffalo on Sunday, they would have the option of resting injured players, including Bailey, in a Week 17 game at San Diego.
“Lets hopefully have that conversation next week,” Shanahan said. “We are going to play to win all of our games regardless of what the scenario is. Hopefully we can take care of business this weekend.”
Broncos Pro Bowl snubs
Shanahan followed up Tuesday’s announcement that quarterback Jay Cutler and receiver Brandon Marshall were selected to their first Pro Bowls by mentioning some other Denver players who he thought were deserved.
“You can take a look at (center Casey) Wiegmann as a first-team alternate and I thought that was nice,” Shanahan said. “For Champ (Bailey) to miss as many games as he has and be chosen kind of tells you what people think of him. There are always a lot of players out there that have very good seasons.”
“Sometimes, you are never really sure why someone makes it or doesn’t make it. I just know (T) Ryan Clady has had a heck of a year and we have a bunch of players that have played exceptionally well. You can’t worry about that you just have to keep on going, hopefully get to the playoffs and take advantage of the opportunity.
“I thought (WR) Eddie Royal has had a heck of a year with what he has done for us as a receiver and a returner. There are a bunch of guys that were close and will have a good chance in the next year or two.”
Wednesday’s injury report
Broncos
Did not practice — T Ryan Clady (ankle), S Vernon Fox (concussion), G Chris Kuper (hand), WR Brandon Stokley (foot).
Limited — CB Champ Bailey (groin), LB Spencer Larsen (groin).
Bills
Did not practice — WR James Hardy (knee), LB Teddy Lehman (groin), RB Marshawn Lynch (shoulder), RB Corey McIntyre (not injury related).
Limited — QB Trent Edwards (groin), CB Dustin Fox (groin), CB Jabari Greer (knee), T Jason Peters (knee).
