PHILADELPHIA — The Broncos will have one of their offensive weapons back, but they’ll have to wait at least another week for one of their defensive stalwarts to return.
Receiver Emmanuel Sanders will play against the Eagles on Sunday after missing two games because of an ankle sprain. Sanders indicated earlier in the week that he expected to return, and his presence could boost an offense that has lagged since the Week 5 bye.
Inside linebacker , also dealing with a high ankle sprain, will miss his second-consecutive game as he continues to recover. Davis said late in the week that he was “optimistic” but certainly not 100 percent. will start in his absence.
Reserve tackle (calf) will also be out; he was ruled out last week by head coach . Rookie running back De’Angelo Henderson, receiver , cornerback , rookie linebacker DeMarcus Walker and quarterback round out the list of seven inactives.
Lynch is no longer on the injury report with his shoulder sprain, but Joseph has made only two quarterbacks active on game days. will start Sunday and will be his backup.
Joseph, and special-teams coordinator , also said that Walker will suit up when he contributes more on special teams.
“You come in as a D-lineman, you’re drafted to be a pass rusher and the last thing on your mind is playing special teams,” Olivo said Friday. “On the roster he’s an outside backer, so he’s going to take up one of four roster spots. Those two roster spots, that third and fourth outside linebacker have to be contributors on special teams. Itap so important. I think DeMarcus is going through a little bit of that realization that, OK, I have to now become a special teams guy if I want a helmet on Sundays. We’ve talked and we had a good conversation this week. He came to me and so thatap a good first step on DeMarcus’ behalf that he wants to contribute and he realizes that now.”
Tight end is inactive for the Eagles, which is a major development for the Broncos. Ertz tested his injured hamstring before the game but was unable go.
Denver’s defense has struggled to contain tight ends this season, and Ertz leads the Eagles in catches (43), receiving yards (528) and receiving touchdowns (six) this season.
