Broncos’ all-pro cornerback Aqib Talib went to California to get a second opinion on his back injury, which kept him out of Sunday’s game vs. the San Diego Chargers and could impact his availability Sunday night at Oakland. Broncos coach Gary Kubiak said after talking with Broncos trainer Steve Antonopulos that he hasn’t ruled Talib out against the Raiders.
“I actually got a good vibe from what ‘Greek’ told me on the field a while ago from the visit,” Kubiak said. “I know there’s some people that have got to get together and talk this through and make sure we know exactly where he’s at.”
Talib was expected to be back in Denver Thursday afternoon to be evaluated by the Broncos, with the second medical opinion likely coming later in the evening. Kubiak said he expects to know more Friday.
“I just know that he’s got an issue going on with his back, and there’s good days and bad days,” Kubiak said. “He feels really good, here we go, and then it bothers him again, stiffens up on him. So we’re battling through it and felt like the best thing to do was to get a second opinion on it.”
Talib, 30, didn’t practice Wednesday or Thursday. Talib practiced on a limited basis Friday after sitting out last Wednesday and Thursday. His back bothered him more Saturday and Sunday leading up to the game vs. the Chargers.
Bradley Roby, who was named , will get the start in Talib’s place if the veteran cornerback can’t play Sunday at Oakland. Kubiak said Roby had his best game of the season against San Diego.
“Obviously I feel good about him,” Phillips said about Roby.
Kayvon Webster, who is battling a hamstring injury, but has a chance to play Sunday, and Lorenzo Doss are the next two conerbacks in line for increased playing time if Talib is forced to miss another game. Doss has been active for only two of eight games this season, but he made a huge play when he to conclude the Broncos’ fourth-quarter goal line stand against San Diego.
“It just bumps everybody up. Doss will have to be ready to go if Aqib can’t go,” Kubiak said. “It gets into the depth of your roster, which we feel like we have a good deep team, so some of these young kids have to step up.”
