The for Sunday’s game against Oakland has created a ripple effect on the Broncos’ inside linebacking corps. Second-year linebacker Todd Davis will start, but he will take the job of Brandon Marshall, who will shift to the weak side in place of Trevathan.
While the move may appear minor on paper, it creates a new set of responsibilities and assignments for Marshall, who played on the weak side last season, when the Broncos were in the 4-3 defense.
“It’s a challenge for me because I have to be on point with almost forgetting everything that I’ve been doing the last 14 or 15 weeks and stepping into a new role,” Marshall said. “It’s really different how you fit the run, your pass responsibilities and how you play a slot formation. It’s really all different, so I just try to throw everything out the window. And then, say, if Todd needs a break and Corey (Nelson) comes in, then I’ll play the Mike (strong side).”
Coach Gary Kubiak said Friday that “no player has had a better week of practice” than Davis, and that he feels confident Davis can handle the added workload with his special teams duties.
Because of injuries, Davis started the last two games of the Broncos’ 2014 season as the weak-side middle linebacker. This season, he’s recorded five total tackles as well as five special-teams tackles, tied for second-most on the team.
“For me, I would love to play defense, but right now being a backup to Danny and Brandon, with my role on special teams I want to take full advantage and give everything I have to it,” Davis said. “I definitely love playing it. This week I’ll be playing both, so it’s going to be fun for me.”
Nicki Jhabvala: njhabvala@denverpost.com or @NickiJhabvala
