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Long List of Injuries For Denver Broncos, But Nearly All Players Probable

By Rich Kurtzman

As the grueling NFL season pushes on, the injuries begin to mount for every team. It’s no different for the Denver Broncos, who should consider themselves lucky considering the relatively little amount of serious injuries impacting their team. As of Friday afternoon, nine Broncos showed up on their injury report, eight of which were listed as “probable.”

 
The one Denver player that is “questionable” to play this Sunday is backup cornerback and backup return man Omar Bolden. Bolden, a rookie, suffered a concussion last week in Carolina and it looks like he’ll be held out of action this Sunday.

SAN DIEGO, CA - OCTOBER 15:  Omar Bolden #31 of the Denver Broncos returns a kick against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on October 15, 2012 in San Diego, California.  (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

 
But the Broncos got good news in the secondary too, as Tracy Porter has been a full participant all week in practice. Porter, who had a seizure in August and continues to fight the recurring symptoms, seems to finally be making progress back to the football field. Still, while the fifth-year corner will travel with the team, he could be scratched from the gameday roster at the last minute. Of course, the Broncos have been just fine with backups Chris Harris and Tony Carter at cornerback, with Carter scoring his second touchdown of the season on a pick-six of Cam Newton last Sunday. Both of them scored when Denver played in San Diego in Week Six.
 
Also listed from the defensive side of the ball are ends Derek Wolfe and Robert Ayers. Wolfe, a rookie that shows a relentless motor and pass-rush, has a sore quadrecep which will likely affect his ability to push through blockers. Ayers, a former first round pick in 2009 and current backup behind Elvis Dumervil, pulled his groin and both are expected to play.
 
On offense, right guard Chris Kuper is still trying to get back after severely spraining his ankle against the Bengals two weeks ago. Kuper was a full participant last Friday but was held out, but it seems like the team captain will be able to play this Sunday.
 
Running behind Kuper’s blocks will be rookie Ronnie Hillman (hamstring) and Knowshon Moreno (groin) who are both listed as well. Hillman, the rookie running back that has been No. 2 to Willis McGahee all season, will be expected to carry some of the load with McGahee being moved to the Injured Reserve following his torn MCL. Moreno also will be called upon for some carries, and even though he’s been sitting for weeks, he must have pulled a groin in practice.
 
Demaryius Thomas is still playing through a sore knee, which he banged on the turf in Cincinnati. Thomas didn’t seem to be very hampered last Sunday, leading the team with nine catches for 135 yards, and Peyton Manning’s biggest deep threat should be good to go again this week. Lastly, third string tight end Virgil Green’s hamstring is sore and he’ll likely be on the field during certain special teams plays.

Probable:
Cornerback Tracy Porter (illness)
Guard Chris Kuper (ankle)
Wide Receiver Demaryius Thomas (knee)
Running back Ronnie Hillman (hamstring)
Running back Knowshon Moreno (groin)
Tight end Virgil Green (hamstring)
Defensive end Derek Wolfe (quadrecep)
Defensive end Robert Ayers (groin)

Questionable:
Cornerback Omar Bolden (concussion)

For more Local Football Bloggers and the latest Broncos news, see CBS Sports Denver.

Rich Kurtzman is a Denver native, Colorado State University alumnus, sports nerd, athletics enthusiast, and competition junkie. Currently writing for a multitude of websites while working on books, one on the history of the Denver Broncos and Mile High Stadium. Find more of Rich's Denver Broncos pieces on Examiner.com.

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