While the week began with a blow, Friday brought some positive news on the injury front.
Demaryius Thomas returned to the practice field for the first time this week, having fully recovered from a concussion suffered last Sunday.
“He passed all of the tests, so that’s good for him and today will be another test, too — he’s got to go through a practice and feel comfortable with that,” Head Coach Josh McDaniels said. “He didn’t have any recurring symptoms yesterday and that’s a couple days in a row (without symptoms), so we feel like we’ve gone through all of the things we’ve needed to go through to put him back on the field.”
In addition to Thomas’ return, Knowshon Moreno practiced for the second consecutive day, something that McDaniels said has the team excited.
The Broncos’ injury report features 10 players, five of which were declared out of Sunday’s game earlier this week — Robert Ayers (foot), Brian Dawkins (knee), Andre’ Goodman (quadricep), Darcel McBath (ankle) and Wesley Woodyard (hamstring).
With those five players out, McDaniels said the team might have to get creative with its lineup — “We’re looking at a few different concoctions of alignments,” — but David Bruton said he’s confident that whoever is on the field will step up.
Fortunately for the Broncos, the remaining five players on the injury report all practiced at least once this week. Andre Brown (illness) and Mario Haggan (neck) are probable for the contest, while Spencer Larsen (ankle), Moreno (hamstring) and Thomas (concussion) are listed as questionable.
As for the Jets, cornerback Darrelle Revis is questionable for the contest. The five remaining players on the injury report — linebacker Calvin Pace (foot), safety Jim Leonhard (biceps), center Nick Mangold (shoulder), guard Brandon Moore (hamstring) and linebacker Jamaal Westerman (ankle) are probable to play on Sunday.
Get your Orange on.
Mayor John Hickenlooper has officially proclaimed the Denver Broncos vs. New York Jets game on Sunday as “Orange Sunday.”
For that reason, Mayor Hickenlooper and the Broncos are encouraging all fans to wear orange to the game. Broncos players will be wearing their alternate orange jerseys, and all fans attending the game will receive an Orange Sunday rally towel courtesy of U.S. Bank.
“I think it will be an exciting day on Sunday,” McDaniels said. “I think our players like wearing the orange. We don’t get to wear it much — I think twice during the course of the regular season — so it’s always a little bit of a change-up and I know they enjoy doing that. We will enjoy the stadium being filled with orange.”
In celebration of the event, the club is holding a pep rally from 3-6 p.m. MDT today at Larimer Square.
Broncos alumni Randy Gradishar, Ed McCaffrey, Billy Thompson and Louis Wright along with current players Jabar Gaffney, Haggan, Brandon Lloyd and Perrish Cox are set to appear. The event will include the club’s Super Bowl trophies, mascots Miles and Thunder and cheerleaders.
The event will include food and drink specials as well as ticket and merchandise giveaways. So if you’re in the area, make sure to get downtown tonight in anticipation of the game. And if you’re headed to INVESCO Field at Mile High on Sunday, wear orange, and make sure to get there early, so the Jets see nothing but orange by kickoff.
TRAFFIC NOTIFICATION
Due to the Denver Marathon on Sunday, temporary road closures are expected throughout the downtown area until approximately 2:00 p.m., which will affect gameday traffic for the Broncos’ game against the Jets that kicks off at 2:05 p.m.
Primary arteries to the stadium, including Colfax Avenue, 6th Avenue, Speer Boulevard and Alameda Avenue will still be accessible, however delays are possible at intersections where the marathon course crosses those roadways. All those attending the Broncos game should be aware of the Denver Marathon course and plan for alternate routes to the stadium if necessary or consider alternative transportation options including carpools, light rail or the RTD Broncos Ride. Road closures and detours for the Denver Marathon will be in effect between 6:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Prior to the marathon, police will implement a soft closure along the entire race course. The race begins at 6:55 AM and streets will reopen on a rolling basis as soon as the last participant has passed and all course support materials have been removed. Please review the Denver Marathon course map for more information at the link below.
As part of the Orange Sunday festivities, the Broncos are hosting “Orange Ride” in conjunction with the City of Denver, Denver B-cycle, the Denver Cruisers and BikeDenver. Fans can choose one of four peloton starting locations & ride their bike to the game. All bike riders will receive free admission to the Broncos Barn pregame tailgate party (opens at 11:05 AM).
Denver Marathon Course
Denver Marathon Road Closure Notification Letter
Check out more pictures from Friday’s practice below, including a little fun with jersey swapping.
-Gray Caldwell, DenverBroncos.com
Tags: Andre Brown, Demaryius Thomas, Knowshon Moreno, Mario Haggan, Orange Sunday, Spencer Larsen
You seen the Peyton Manning commercial where he says “when it comes down to youth or experience,I’ll take experience everytime”.We better resign Champ,or I’ll be one unhappy camper.
ill say 35-31 broncos Orton has another career day
Any word on if Revis is playing today?