Determined to return to their winning ways, the Broncos locker room recently took an off-the-field step in that direction.

Earlier this week, the team held a players-only meeting to discuss matters on their minds. The result of that get-together was greater clarity among everyone on the roster.

“Anytime you discuss things amongst each other, at least you get honest views,” Champ Bailey said. “Just talking to some of the guys, just yesterday and today, you kind of get a feel where everybody’s head is, because I think the most important thing is we need everybody on the same page. It is always good to talk to your teammates.”

Fourteen-year veteran Brian Dawkins started off the meeting, with several other players following suit. That included everyone from the seven-time Pro Bowler to members of the practice squad.

As teammates with Dawkins for eight seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, Correll Buckhalter said that his former club had a handful of team meetings to steer certain seasons back on track. He sees the same effect on the horizon for the Broncos.

“When you operate on the same page as a cohesive group, and be family-oriented, good things happen for you,” Buckhalter said. “That’s something that we needed. Things got stressed that needed to be done and we’re ready to move on to the Giants tomorrow night.”

Head Coach Josh McDaniels has been at the forefront of many motivational meetings during the 2009 season. While he was not a part of this one, he did not hesitate to reveal something that may have been strengthened by his players’ decision.

“Communication is always a very vital part of our organization, of our team (and) of our game plan each week,” McDaniels said. “There’s nothing more (important) than the communication between the players.”

INJURY UPDATE

There were two Wednesday changes to the Broncos Week 12 Injury Report. After limited participation in Tuesday’s practice, Brian Dawkins (neck) was a full participant. He is listed as probable for Thursday night’s game against the Giants.

“Brian is doing better, so we’re very hopeful that he will be fine,” McDaniels said.

A limited participant in Tuesday’s session, Ryan Harris (toe) did not participate in Wednesday’s practice. He is listed as out for the Thanksgiving night contest.

McDaniels said that Harris performed well during Tuesday’s workout, but will not return largely because of the abbreviated week of preparation.

“I don’t think this is the kind of week that you’re bringing a player off of a fairly significant injury at his position without a whole lot of live practice reps and practice periods and day after day after day for him to get confidence in that thing,” McDaniels said. “I don’t think that this is a great time or a great week to go ahead and do that.”

Tags: Brian Dawkins, Champ Bailey, Correll Buckhalter, New York Giants, Ryan Harris, Week 12

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