The Broncos were warm and cozy in the comforts of their indoor practice facility for the second straight day Thursday.
Also for the second straight day, several key players did not practice.
Outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware (back) was not with the team during its workout and he likely won’t be for the rest of the week.
Coach Gary Kubiak ruled Ware out for Sunday’s game against Chicago. The team will
Receiver Emmanuel Sanders (ankle/finger) ran some routes and did some individual drills without a helmet during Thursday’s open period.
BRONCOS MAILBAG:
Sanders ran fairly well as he jogged out several short routes.
Defensive ends Antonio Smith (hip) and Vance Walker (shoulder) did not participate in workouts.
Kubiak said he hoped both would back Thursday, but he’s hopeful that at least one will play.
Quarterback Peyton Manning did not practice either. Manning has already been ruled out for Sunday’s game against Chicago. Kubiak said Wednesday Manning’s week will entail of strictly rehab. He won’t even participate in meetings.
Kubiak said he will discuss with the trainers whether Ware and Manning will travel with the team to Chicago.
Ronnie Hillman will start at running back again Sunday. He got 13 carries to C.J. Anderson’s two touts against the Chiefs.
The Broncos’ newest center/guard Sam Brenner, who was claimed off waivers from the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday, was an active participant at practice.
“We were looking for someone who can snap and play guard,” Kubiak said.
Brenner will wear No. 67. Kubiak said he’s trying to work to the point where the team can suit up seven instead of eight players.
Cameron Wolfe: 303-954-1891, cwolfe@denverpost.com or @CameronWolfe
