Injury Impacts Going into Arrowhead

Broncos Injury Watch

Several players left New England in worse shape than they arrived in, concerning not only the coaches, but also the fans. After all next week we are off to Arrowhead Stadium to play the KC Chiefs again and the last thing we need is our preeminent players out. As it turns out Interim Head Coach Jack Del Rio has some positive news to report on the injuries some of our players took in last night’s game. Running Back Knowshon Moreno is being listed with a bruised ankle, which transpired late in overtime after Moreno set his career highs with 37 attempts and 224 yards on the day. Cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie injury was to his shoulder on the final play of the first half. He was initially likely to return to the game, however it was later announced he would be out for the remainder of the game. As of right now both players are listed as day to day.

Speaking Monday morning Del Rio stated that both the injuries that Moreno and Rodgers-Cromartie suffered against New England would not put them out of warrant for a prolonged period of time. Del Rio did not give any details on Rodgers-Cromartie return but said he wouldn’t be surprised to see Moreno back at practice by the weeks end.

Del Rio also added some positive updates in regards to cornerback Champ Bailey and tight end Julius Thomas, both were listed as questionable for Sundays game and neither suited up to play against New England. Making the decision that both were questionable all week, Del Rio and the others felt it was in the best interest to keep them rested for one more week. Personally I think it was a good call, we have made it thus far through the season without Champ Bailey (I know it’s hard to hear, but he just isn’t recovering like he has in the past). Julius Thomas on the other hand is 2nd among the NFL tight ends in touchdown reception, currently at 10; his yards are at 590 and Y/G 59.0. In addition to Wes Welker, Eric Decker and Knowshon Moreno, Demaryius Thomas is one of our key weapons in Peyton Manning’s offence and having him healthy and ready for the KC game on Sunday is crucial. Del Rio felt confident that both Bailey and Thomas would be back for the trip to Arrowhead stadium. Just released 

early Tuesday morning the news is not as optimistic for defensive tackle Kevin Vickerson (who was waiting on test results), ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter has reported that Vickerson has dislocated his hip and will be out at least six weeks, most likely the rest of the season. Vickerson injured his hip in OT and at this time he is not expected to undergo surgery. Vickerson has started in all 11 games this season with 18 tackles and his first 1st sack of the season was Sunday night against Tom Brady.

KC Injury Watch

On the flip side it looks as if KC star pass-rusher Justin Houston will  likely miss Sunday's 2nd showdown due to his right injured elbow, in which he dislocated in last week’s loss against the San Diego Chargers, team and league sources told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

Houston was scheduled to have an MRI on Monday, but due to swelling in his elbow the MRI has been postponed. His MRI was finally completed on Tuesday. 

The Chiefs, who we now once again hold the same 9-2 record with, could also be without their other star. Two-time Pro Bowl linebacker Tamba Hali may miss our big rematch this Sunday December 1st. According to Andy Reid the Chiefs coach, Hali suffered a slight ankle sprain against San Diego, and he may have to sit this game out.

Both Houston and Hali went to the Pro Bowl last season and between the two have 20 sacks this season. But the pass-rushing dynamic duo whose main goal was to take out Peyton Manning two weeks ago failed to even get near him and our Broncos handed the

Chiefs their first loss of the season. 

Frank Zombo and Dezman Moses took over for Houston and Hali in KC’s second loss against the chargers. It is assumed that is who will play this Sunday.

When Houston appeared in the Chiefs locker room on Monday, his arm was tightly bound and in a sling, he was also instructed not to say anything. This looms as KC gets ready to face Denver for the second time and after losing 2 games straight.

With the dynamic duo out against our offence, can we hold KC at Arrowhead? We know Vickerson will not be with us, but Del Rio is confident that Champ Bailey will be back and Von Miller is making his comeback. We need to keep Manning protected and make sure our offence stays on top. Will this be a challenging game? Absolutely, but we CAN go home with a win. So I will be keeping an eye on that injury report for both teams and here we go into week 13!

As for the Patriots game, it’s over, it stung, and now we have new challenges we need to prepare for. We still have the playoffs, which I am sure we will meet Brady again.

Standings for the Denver Broncos from nfl.com as of 11/26/2013
Division AFC West #1
Conference #1
League #2 (behind Seattle)

More to come, Happy Thanksgiving! 

~ K@tes