The final Denver Broncos injury report (barring a Saturday update) of the regular season is the best the team has issued in weeks. With only 13 players listed and only two as questionable, it appears that Denver will be more or less healthy for the season finale Sunday against the San Diego Chargers.
There is some cause for concern, however, as inside linebacker Brandon Marshall (ankle) is one of the two players listed as questionable. Marshall typically “quarterbacks” the defense, wearing the communication helmet, and also leads the team in tackles with 102. Defensive coordinator Wade Phillips said yesterday that Todd Davis would play if Marshall would be unable to go. Davis also appeared on the injury report with a shoulder injury, but was a full participant. Fellow ILB Danny Trevathan, who also eclipsed the 100-tackle mark this season, would likely take over signal calling in Marshall’s absence.
Also listed as questionable for Sunday is Pro Bowl alternate safety T.J. Ward (ankle), but Denver’s health at the safety position continues to improve around him as Omar Bolden was a full participant in practice Friday for the first time in several weeks. Darian Stewart, who missed the Dec. 20 game against Pittsburgh, appears to be back to near full strength. He was a full participant all week.
Head coach Gary Kubiak said after practice that Ward is nearing 100 percent. “I think he went 30 to 35 plays last week. I would say that T.J. has practiced like he’s ready to go. We’ll see. The good news is, I think, a week from now or two weeks from now, he is going to be pretty close to 100 percent. He’s making strides.”
Kubiak had this to say about Marshall: “He practiced today. He looked pretty good, so I think we have a shot. He’s come a long way, so we’ll see where we are.”
Kubiak and Phillips have a tough decision to make with Marshall. A win – which he would certainly help factor into – would secure a first-round bye in the playoffs. But playing him could exaggerate the injury for the playoffs. Not playing him could leave the Broncos somewhat vulnerable on the second level of their defense. A loss could compromise their first round bye status.
Marshall made more positive news on other fronts Friday as he was awarded the Darrent Williams Good Guy Award, an honor decided by the media covering the team. The award is given annually to the Bronco who best exemplifies Williams’ enthusiasm, cooperation and honesty while dealing with members of the press.
About the honor, Marshall said, “To me, it means a lot. I was raised on integrity … My mom did a [heck] of a job in raising me. I know she’ll be proud of this because she’ll know that she raised her boy in a way that people look up to him and a way that people respect him. It means a lot to me in that regard because I know that I’ve done a good job in trying to become the best man that I can be. I’m not perfect, nobody is, but still striving to be a great person each day.”
Regarding his game status, Marshall was more succinct.
“I was limited today,” he said. “I did a couple periods, and I felt pretty decent. Hopefully I’ll be out there on Sunday.”
Whether he plays or not Sunday, there’s little doubt he’ll make himself available for comment to the media.
The full injury report and Friday practice participation report is below.
