Now that Derek Wolfe has returned from his four game PED suspension, he can rejoin a defense that has so far been the best in football (fewest yards allowed).
He’ll no doubt be a welcome addition to an already stout run-stopping line that ranks eighth in the league and has but the brakes on big rushers like Jamaal Charles and Adrian Peterson.
Now, we have a clearer picture of just how much Wolfe will be involved on Sunday against Oakland.
When asked if he believes Wolfe will have a solid workload against the Raiders, head coach Gary Kubiak said, “We’re going to always rotate guys, but yes, I do. Usually if we’re a 65-play defensive football team, I would expect him to play 35 of those plays, maybe even a few more.”
That might be slightly less than some had expected, as Vance Walker was the only front-seven defensive starter who did not earn a positive grade from Pro Football Focus last week. Still, Wolfe needs to get himself back into game-speed readiness.
Kubiak thinks he’s nearly there, as indicated by comments after Wednesday’s practice.
“I think Derek has taken care of himself and worked hard,” he said, “and I think that today is evidence of that.”
For those wondering if Wolfe’s presence will disrupt an already successful unit. Kubiak has no concerns.
“I think Derek earned his keep when he was here throughout the offseason and training camp. Derek has earned the right to play. We wouldn’t put Derek out there if he didn’t come back exactly the same guy that he left. It should only make us better,” Kubiak reinforced.
Safety T.J. Ward is excited about Wolfe’s return.
“It’s going to help greatly, the reigning AFC Defensive Player of the Week said. “It adds more depth. We all know how good Derek is and what he does for this defense. Just having him for morale and that extra man is going to be great for us.”
That’s a good sign for a defense that has already been great through four games.
