Don’t worry. … Be Danny.
Danny Trevathan fractured the bone below his left kneecap in training camp. He returned a month into the season and lasted 58 snaps, his leg reinjured when a convoy of New York Jets steamrolled him. The Broncos linebacker continues to practice and is eligible to return this weekend. If he does, even in a limited role, he will do so with no trepidation.
“I don’t really look at stuff as negative. I try to take the positive out of any situation,” Trevathan said. “If I break my leg (again), I do. I am definitely eager to get back out there, because it’s amazing to see how they are playing right now.”
Trevathan led the Broncos in tackles last season. In his absence, Brandon Marshall has blossomed into a solid starter. It’s possible the Broncos could ease Trevathan into nickel and dime packages, keeping the two players on the field together.
“We can both fit,” Trevathan said. “That speed, that athleticism, it would be something to watch.”
A corresponding roster move would be required to activate Trevathan from the injured reserve.
Anderson sits. The Broncos’ injury report added a new name: running back C.J. Anderson. He injured his left ankle last Sunday against the Buffalo Bills and didn’t practice Wednesday — it was a no-helmets, light workout by design — but is expected to start Sunday at San Diego.
“Honestly, it feels really good,” Anderson said.
Others who did not practice included wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (right ankle), Jacob Tamme (ribs) and wide receiver Cody Latimer, who suffered a concussion during last Wednesday’s practice.
Thomas optimistic. Signs point toward tight end Julius Thomas (left ankle) not only being active but playing against the Chargers. He participated fully Wednesday, well ahead of his pace the previous three weeks.
“One of the toughest things to do is not being out there to help your teammates,” Thomas said. “I have done more. It keeps getting better. I hope this is the week.”
Bigger fish in sea. Winning three consecutive AFC West titles and losing last season’s Super Bowl shape the Broncos’ thinking. There is not a lot of talk about clinching a division crown Sunday.
“That’s not our goal. It’s on the checklist, but that’s not what’s going to define this team or the success of this season,” defensive tackle Terrance Knighton said.
Footnotes. Ronnie Hillman participated in a few team drills, slowly working his way back from a foot injury. Montee Ball (groin) remained on the side with the strength coach. No return date has been set for the two running backs, but for now the final regular-season game, against the Oakland Raiders, appears realistic. … Offensive tackle Paul Cornick, used for blocking in the run game, wore a protective boot in the locker room after suffering a right turf toe injury against the Bills. … Punt returner Isaiah Burse was “shocked” he was waived last week but happy the Broncos brought him back to the practice squad. “They let me know they wanted me, and that it wasn’t really anything I had done wrong. That was good to hear,” Burse said.
