The Broncos will play without their sack leader and left tackle Sunday when they face the Browns in Cleveland.
DeMarcus Ware, who suffered back spasms at Oakland, has been ruled out of Sunday’s game. Second-year linebacker Shaquil Barrett will start in his place.
And rookie Ty Sambrailo will miss his third consecutive game because of a shoulder injury. Coach Gary Kubiak said Sambrailo was ruled out Sunday, despite seeing limited action in practice this week, so as to give him two weeks of rest with the bye week approaching.
More concerning for the offensive line, however, is the questionable status of left guard Evan Mathis, who did not particpate in Friday’s practice (the third consecutive workout he’s missed this week) because of a hamstring injury. His continued absence is an indication the Broncos’ offensive line may undergo another shift Sunday.
“There’s some concern,” Kubiak said. “The hamstring has been an issue now for about three weeks. He’s trying to play through it. It’ll be a game-time decision. We think he’s going to be able to go.”
Rookie Max Garcia will play if Mathis is unable to suit up Sunday, but Kubiak said he may try to rotate the line, much like he did at Oakland when veteran Tyler Polumbus spelled Ryan Harris at tackle.
The Broncos’ running backs could see an addition to their group of three, depending on Juwan Thompson’s health. The No. 3 back, who injured his hamstring at Oakland, worked with a trainer at the start of practice Friday and was listed as questionable for Sunday’s game.
If he is unable to play, the Broncos might activate Kapri Bibbs from the practice squad. Doing so would require they waive another player to keep the roster at 53.
“Kapri has been prepared to be a part of the game this week,” Kubiak said. “We’ll see if we think we need to make a move.”
Receiver Demaryius Thomas, who did not particpate in the past two practices because of a neck injury, is also listed as questionable. As is cornerback Aqib Talib, who rolled his ankle in the win at Oakland. Neither participated the past two days of practice, but Kubiak said they were “fine” and looked “really good” in their limited work Friday.
Nicki Jhabvala: njhabvala@denverpost.com or @NickiJhabvala
