Broncos safety Brian Dawkins has said how important it was for him to return for the 2011 season because he wanted to wash away “the bad taste in my mouth” that the previous two years had left behind.
But a neck injury will keep the 38-year-old out of uniform Sunday for the Broncos’ first playoff game since 2005. And there is now a significant question whether he’ll ever play again.
Coach John Fox on Friday officially ruled Dawkins out.
“He came here to help prepare the team to get in this position,” Broncos linebacker Mario Haggan said. “That was his goal when he got here, and I know how much it means to him. He’s an emotional guy, very passionate guy about the game. It will be tough for him.”
Dawkins did not practice this week and spent part of Friday’s late-morning workout stretching on an adjacent field. Dawkins started the first 13 games of the season but left the Dec. 11 game against Chicago because of the neck injury and then missed two of the Broncos’ final three games of the regular season, leaving the third game early.
Because of the nature of the injury and Dawkins’ age, there are many with the Broncos who question the eight-time Pro Bowl selection’s ability to return for the 2012 season.
Dawkins restructured his contract before the season and took a significant pay cut to stay with the Broncos — from $6 million to $2 million — and his contract now expires at the end of the league year in March.
“It’s kind of hard to put into words, because I know how much this game means to him,” said Broncos cornerback André Goodman. “I know how well he prepares. … He’s the guy who would do anything to be out there.”
“Our responsibility as coaches and as an organization is the well-being of our players,” Fox said. “Brian’s been a big part of this season, a big part of this team, and hopefully we can get him well soon.”
Jeff Legwold: 303-954-2359 or jlegwold@denverpost.com
