The Broncos are feeling the effects of seven weeks of play.
Running back C.J. Anderson was placed on injured reserve after knee surgery and four other Broncos starters are listed as questionable to play Sunday against the Chargers. Those four will be game-time decisions, coach Gary Kubiak said.
Inside linebacker Brandon Marshall was limited in practice Friday after missing the previous two days with a hamstring injury. Cornerback Aqib Talib also was limited after missing the two previous workouts because of a low-back injury. Outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware, who is working his way back from forearm surgery, was limited in practice all week. And center Matt Paradis did not practice all week because of hip soreness.
“This is something that Matt has played through before,” Kubiak said. “I would have liked for him to have gotten some work today, but after further consideration this morning, we decided not to. Can Matt go play and lead our group on Sunday without practicing? Yes. There’s no doubt about that. We’ll see. We’ll see how far he comes. We’ll get him moving around tomorrow, but I know he was doing much better today.”
For the Chargers, outside linebacker Jerry Attaochu and cornerback Craid Mager were ruled out for the game. Wide receivers Travis Benjamin and Tyrell Williams, tight end Hunter Henry and inside linebacker Denzel Perryman were listed as questionable.
Tight end decision. The Broncos have four tight ends now, after the acquisition of A.J. Derby from New England earlier this week. Kubiak and general manager John Elway both labeled Derby as a player who can contribute immediately, but he has had limited time to learn the playbook in advance of Sunday’s game.
“He’s come along well. We went from not many tight ends to a bunch of them, so we have to make a decision on who we’re going to suit,” Kubiak said. “Jeff (Heuerman) has looked good. Jeff has had a good week, so we’ll see. We’re going to try to get (Derby) going a quick as possible. Does that mean this week? I don’t know. We’ll see.”
Community honor. Cornerback Bradley Roby was named the NFL Players’ Association’s Week 7 Community MVP for his “efforts to empower kids through academic and social outreach programs.” Roby hosted an event at Topgolf during his off day Tuesday that raised $13,500 for the Strikes for Kids Giveaway Program, which recognizes and rewards children for their athletic and academic achievements.
