At his Friday press conference, Head Coach Josh McDaniels announced that Brandon Marshall will be deactivated for Sunday’s game against the Chiefs. Here’s what McDaniels said regarding the coaching decision.
“Our word for the week has been ‘accountability,’” he said. “We’re looking to put the 45 guys on the field on Sunday who want to play together (and) want to help us try to win and qualify for the playoffs. We talked about it as a squad on Wednesday that that’s what’s going to happen this week, and anybody who showed any indifference to that we’ll play without them, and we’ll play well anyway.”
To watch the rest of McDaniels’ conference, click here. To read Brandon Marshall’s interview with the media, click here.
INJURY UPDATE
On Friday’s Week 17 Injury Report, Daniel Graham (knee) and Eddie Royal (head/neck) were both limited participants in practice and are questionable for Sunday’s game.
Royal was inactive for Week 16 against the Eagles, but McDaniels noted there is a chance that the second-year speedster will return against the Chiefs.
“He’ll be out there and (will) go through our walkthrough today,” McDaniels said. “We’ll see how he progresses here the next couple days and make a determination on Sunday.”
If Royal cannot go, McDaniels added that Matthew Willis would be signed from the team’s practice squad to the active roster.
“He’s the last guy standing in terms of the practice squad,” McDaniels said. “If Eddie couldn’t do it, then that would be the move we would make to make sure that we had at least four (receivers) active.”
McDaniels added that there was no timetable on that potential move.
“We could do it today; we could do it tomorrow,” McDaniels said. “Right now the situation as it stands, the best thing for us to do is to wait and see how Eddie progresses, and then we’ll make our decision.”
Darrell Reid (knee), Correll Buckhalter (ankle), Brian Dawkins (knee), Renaldo Hill (ankle), Ty Law (hamstring), and Spencer Larsen (hamstring) were all full participants on Friday. Each is listed as probable.
There were no changes on the Chiefs side, but C/G Andy Alleman (back) is officially out for Sunday’s game at INVESCO Field at Mile High.
The Broncos did a walkthrough earlier this morning, and here are some photos from that session.
– Chris Gentilviso, DenverBroncos.com
Tags: Brandon Marshall, Head Coach Josh McDaniels, Kansas City Chiefs, Week 17
If it had to be done, it had to be done. But come on man. The last game of the year? And we all know Scheffler isn’t a physical player so that shouldn’t of been a big surprise. I agree McD hasn’t used him well in this offense but did u see that Asante Samuel INT last week? He didn’t even try for that ball. As for Marshall, grow up (same thing for McDaniels too). We need a QB that can win us games and, if things stay the same way, we’re gonna need another star receiver because Marshall won’t be here.
R.I.P. Darrent Williams
come on coach. we can not afford to get off on the wrong foot this late in the season with a guy who needs a contract extension. i am very sad that marshall could be out of a broncos uniform at the end of the season. if we do lose him dont forget we still have eddie. hope eddie steps it up.
i really wish josh would maybe grow up a little bit and look into reality knowing that my best player is unhappy what can i do to make him happy. you all know deep down mcdaniels is thinking crap what did i do. like i said i hope eddie can really step it up.
screw mcd lets bring in shannahan
While we don’t know what the truth is. One thing the way its being handled is awful. You definitely don’t need any distractions coming into the last game when you need a win.
Grantw8 what exactly did Marshall do wrong? Get hurt? Come on now… you set examples in the offseason, which he did and Marshall responded by being a great player and teammate all year. One could argue he puts forth more effort than anyone on the offensive side of the ball week in and week out.
When Marshall ran his mouth in preseason, he got what he deserved. This in week 17 in the thick of the playoff race, is ridiculous
THIS IS INSANE!!!! I think all I want to say has already been said by the other Bronconites…. **shaking my head in disgust**
McD ~ I thought you would improve this team to Post Season action. I have given you the benefit of the doubt through all that has happened thus far, I hope there is a method to your maddness, or Ill be calling you Jim Zorn
omg what is McD doing!
seriously come on!!!
who is kyler going to throw to know, royal was only good when cutler was around…this is very painful to watch i dont see marshall being a bronco in years to come wich breaks my heart, i was okay with what McD was doing earlier this season but you gotta draw the line some where, nolan behind that defense is the main reason of the broncos sucess ive had it! lets get rid of him! keep nolan on the defence and bring in some one els to be the head coach, i bet zorn could do a better job, im done with McD im sick and tired of it!
It is what it is we gonna have to wait and Trust in Mr Bowlen and Coach Mcdaniels thats all we can do and we gotta hope that our players are’nt Greedy
COME ON ARE YOU FREAKIN KIDDIN ME!!!!!!!!!!! What is McD thinking? We sure made a big mistake on hiring McD as our couch. i actually thought he would be a good coach but now im really digusted with him. His play calling is horrible and now he’s benching our best player??? This guy has some serious issues. I honestly hope that this doesn’t make Marshall wanna demand a trade again. What should happen is that McD should get fired. All he is doing is just tearing this team apart. Mr. Bowlen should just let him go and look for a coach that is truly gonna do his job right.
i agree that McD has handled this horribely, but I also believe that there is more to the story than Marshall is letting on. i love Marshall and I don’t doubt his injury, but I still can’t help but think this is all about money. I’ve seen Marshall’s interview on NFL network and he brought up getting paid big money a few times, he is a diva WR. He is an awesome one and I love him to death, but I can’t help but think Marshall is beign very cautious about playing with a slight injury becuase he doesn’t want to be injured when he is looking for a new contract. When people thought we were going to trade him, it became a big deal that he had a “bad hip” it was assumed no one would want him becuase he had a hip injury. he knows that and doesn’t want to injure his leg during the game and not garner a big pay check in the offseason. I wouldn’t be surprised if that was on his mind first and foremost, not playing with his team to possibley make the playoffs and if that’s the case, I think McD might have something there, that shouldn’t be tolerated. Although, McD really ahs to start listening to his players a bit more
When I’m out playing among folx that aren’t even associates and i get an injury, I still go out and try and 4get there was an injury. So why is it professional and payed athletes let go of that same drive? Why does it take millions of dollars to make athletes happy ?? There is a definite indication of a loss of heart throughout a sad majority of american athletes. What smells like trash usually is trash, and Brandon Marshall showed signs of an athlete driven by dollars, while coach Josh MacDaniels continues to show deep drive and mindset on upgrading the winning percentage of the Denver Broncos
McHoodie back at it! I swear if Marshall leaves, so should he.
This all could have been avoided if Mr. Bowlen paid Marshall already. Its not uncommon for players to receive contract extensions during the season. And, Oh, he should have been compensated the day after breaking the record.
Mr. Bowlen was correct in the assumption that Marshall will earn a substantial pay increase with his play.
I’m hoping for that more than I’m hoping for Baltimore to lose. Or NY. OR Pit. Not likely, but hey we still have that chance to go to the superbowl!!!
Prediction- updated in light of the recent events……………….
Denver-2010
KC-17
Happy New Year to all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
what the frick is he mcd doing idont understand him
Well, the morning after, what a mess of a first day of the year for the Denver Broncos, there is no doubt that regardless of who did what, this ordeal was not handled properly. I do not see what positve signal to the team can come out of McD unloaded to the press about his discontent of Marshall. In over 20 years of running a couple businesses, I have always learned that anything that involves reprimanding an employee should be done closed doors head to head, not in front of the rest of the employees, it’s not manly, but even if McD wanted to make a point to the rest of the team about Marshall’s attitude, he should of done that in a closed door team meeting, instead he chose the worse possible way to go at it, in his press conference, in front of the media and the rest of the football world. No doubt a huge mistake proving his immaturity once more.
For anyone who follows this blog, you know I have voiced my discontent of McD’s action on and off the field many times, sometimes very strongly, so this is nothing new to me, it is almost to be expected from him. His major issue as a HC is his immaturity first and foremost, everything else derives from that, his arrogance, his doghouse, his cockyness, his sly smile, his stubborness, etc… The funny part about all that is that he spent countless press conferences explaining to who cared to listen why his age, or lack of, had absolutely nothing to do with the job of HC. That should of been our first clue, anyone who defends his age so passionately obviously has some deeper issues with it, you don’t fight something unless there is a truth to it, if it was not an issue he would of just brushed it off, next question type of thing. So here we are with our coach who has a brilliant career ahead of him if he chooses to grow up, the question is will he grow up fast enough to be our HC very long? Until that gets answered, we will have many more mishandling of team matters with the press, stubborn play calling on the field that gets us nowhere, keeping star players in his doghouse just because he can and plenty of sly smiles and a cocky attitude to go around at his press conferences.
After all that you would think I’d be ready to ship him out of town, well not quite yet, I believe that all young men deserve more than a couple shots at growing out of their immaturity, and I will give him two more years to do just that, just because if he ever does grow up and puts all his blinding short comings behind him, with his knowledge of the game, he could become the elite HC we are all asking for. Just think about it, all you young guys out here who are asking for his head, aren’t you glad day after day you are given chances to attone for the stupid mistakes that you do in the name of immaturity? The day we give up on youth and it’s immaturities, we might as well pack it in, today’s immature youths are tomorrow’s leaders. Please, coach, get some needed guidance this off-season, you won’t be sorry.
I can’t believe you wouldn’t let me post that.
That’s too bad, that was good insight, IMO.
McD’s handling of the matter yesterday was perfect.
I figured I would be allowed to post that. LOL.
McD is a joke!! he is ruined what could have been the best offense in the league from the time he stepped in the door, (Shannahan) is laughing!!, maybe all the players are getting bad attitudes with him because He SUCKS!!!
I knew this was the kind of coach we would be dealing with from the start. What a bone head!!! Look for yet another player to be gone after this weekend. Marshell can sign with the Bears and now play with the QB that was A Bronco at one time. Thanks Josh!!!!!!!
funny, you can post he sucks, I was polite in my evaluation of McD’s actions, but more elaborate, LOL, but it wouldn’t let me post it. Well, it is what it is… the phrase of the week I guess.
The Bears have no draft picks to trade to get Marshall, we got them all already. LOL.
BTW, everyone out here, today is the last day to make your picks, we only got 10 so far, because of the holidays maybe, so come on, give it your best shot.
Come on McD, this isn’t high school football when you bench your best player for having a bad attitude. This is one of the biggest businesses in America – a business that is about entertaining fans and winning football games. Marshall does both. To deactivate him while we still have a shot at the playoffs is absurd.
Let’s try a different version:.
Well, the morning after, what a mess of a first day of the year for the Denver Broncos, there is no doubt that regardless of who did what, this ordeal was not handled properly. I do not see what positive signal to the team can come out of McD unloaded to the press about his discontent of Marshall. In over 20 years of running a couple businesses, I have always learned that anything that involves reprimanding an employee should be done closed doors head to head, not in front of the rest of the employees, it’s not manly, but even if McD wanted to make a point to the rest of the team about Marshall’s attitude, he should of done that in a closed door team meeting, instead he chose the worse possible way to go at it, in his press conference, in front of the media and the rest of the football world. No doubt a huge mistake proving his immaturity once more.
For anyone who follows this blog, you know I have voiced my discontent of McD’s action on and off the field many times, sometimes very strongly, so this is nothing new to me, it is almost to be expected from him. His major issue as a HC is his immaturity first and foremost, everything else derives from that, his arrogance, his doghouse, his cockyness, his sly smile, his stubbornness, etc… The funny part about all that is that he spent countless press conferences explaining to who cared to listen why his age, or lack of, had absolutely nothing to do with the job of HC. That should of been our first clue, anyone who defends his age so passionately obviously has some deeper issues with it, you don’t fight something unless there is a truth to it, if it was not an issue he would of just brushed it off, next question type of thing. So here we are with our coach who has a brilliant career ahead of him if he chooses to grow up, the question is will he grow up fast enough to be our HC very long? Until that gets answered, we will have many more mishandling of team matters with the press, stubborn play calling on the field that gets us nowhere, keeping star players in his doghouse just because he can and plenty of sly smiles and a cocky attitude to go around at his press conferences.
Well we may have the Bears draft picks, but we won’t have Marshall. And that is nothing to laugh about. I also never thought Cutler would be a Bear, and he is. Whatever happens, our team is being dismantled little by little. So, anything can happen in the NFL.
Man, poeople were calling for Coach McD’s head since the day he was hired. It has continued throughout the season swelling and fading with the wins and losses.
All the hangmen and grim reapers need to take a Chill Pill and realize that McD is here to stay for at least two more seasons. There are bound to be problem players, injuries and indifferences that cause strife. It happens on all football teams.
Obvously the Player is moderately injured and the coach wants him to tough it out for the last game but the Player wants to rest and prepare for either the playoffs or a new contract while healthy.
I don’t think McD will try to resign Marsh and they will make their seperaste ways. I understand both sides of the problem, but calling for the coaches head over it, is Ludicrous!
I can’t say anything in the matter, my freedom of speech has been infringed upon. LOL.
denva 26, you should try lauging about things a bit, it does make it more fun to watch this GAME we call football, you guys are so serious, you are going to give yourself a sever headache for the whole off-season, lots of stuff is going to happen we probably won’t agree with.
what the heck is he doing? and whats the owner doing? were going to lose another probowl player i dont get it. is eddie royal going to play? cauase the last thing i read is his out,this whole thing is stupid and Mcdick is wrong
Baylin – First off I want to apologize for what I said to you in an earlier post. I had learned that one of my fellow comrades died while on a tour to Iraq but that does not excuse my actions.
In hindsight, in order to have a full corps of WR we needed to make a roster spot and the best way to do that was to deactivate the 50% WR. The decision to me makes sense. Although I predicted an 8-8 season at home so I hope like baylin that I eat crow as well this week. I am pretty sure if we can run the ball and stop the run we should beat the Chiefs without Marshall. Besides, if he rests his hamstring and we make the playoffs I am pretty sure everyone on here would rather play without him this week to have hopefully a 100% Marshall in the playoffs then play with him hurt and risk further injury so he isnt available for the playoffs. These people need to cool their jets. lol
And Brandon M. is in his last yr with the broncos aka the cheifs game would u want to be here, the raiders or chargers would pay him.
cody, apologies accepted, truly sorry about your buddy, hard to make sense of it all, may all the fallen rest in peace.
Now we’re without Scheffler and Marshall. Marshall for not wanting to play thru his injury and Tony probably for being frustrated with the playcalling… who knows really. Royal is questionable and game time decision. Graham is also dinged up.
Looks like we’ll rely on Lloyd, Gaffney, Stokley and maybe Quinn.
baylinor – Broncos 19
Chiefs 17
rbf1, conservative pick, that’s probably the safe way to go with all of the latest. Strangely, I am more concerned about Jamaal Charles tearing up our front line for big gains that I am about our crippled O. Gaffney, Stockley and Lloyd are more than adequate to handle the dink and dunk against KC, IMO.
Good point baylinor – we contained Charles well last time, but the kid has potential to break it anytime he’s carrying the ball. (sprinter speed).
Our WR’s should be good to go. You’re right they should be able to handle 20 wr bubble screens this weekend.
Speechless.
Well baylinorcrush, ur right about one thing, I have had a headache from the day they signed Joshie Mc D. he is a want to b Belichick. But way younger. Look I live in Chicago, but I am a Bronco Fan. Maybe my passion for the game makes me to serious, and the off season could never compair to last off season. The headache you are refering to is called Mc Daniels. AKA, BONEHEAD!
Time will tell if McD is as “rogue” as it appears. It may have been a ploy that Brandon wanted. To sit a game, when even if we win 100-0 there is still a chance at missing the playoffs. I have no doubt and don’t believe anyone else should that Brandon will be returning to the Broncos next year. So what better way to help a player then to down talk an injury and make it a coach’s decision. So if this is correct then damn, taking all the heat like this will actually turn out great for him.
I know what matter most tomorrow is to win, but this is how I will prioritize my day tomorrow.
First, during the early games, I will root for Pittsburgh to lose at Miami OR for N-E to lose at Houston.
Second, during the late games, other than hoping we beat KC, I will root for the Ravens to lose at Oakland, and if they do, coupled with the early game Pittsburgh loss OR the Houston win, we are in!
Third, hopefully not necessary, the final game of the regular season must be won by Cinci at the Jets.
Pretty simple really, not as complicated as the 10 scenarios make it sound, IMO.
I guess all I have to say is “Get your popcorn ready”!
stevecan2, that’s a great way to overthink something in an attempt to turn it into a good thing. LOL. Unfortunately, I think you are only talking yourself into believing this one. LOL.
To make my prediction without the team’s mentality in mind is hard. Can we win, absolutely. But be ready for the upset. 20-17 Broncos or Chiefs. Can i pick that? LoL Last I looked at a spread on the game the sports writer’s out here in Vegas had Denver favored by 12.5 I wont be near a Race and Sports book to update the spread but I will say, for all of those into the sports wagering world, for the first time this season I will have money on this game, with the Chiefs and under. The o/u was 45
OC
I agree with you there…Ive wanted McDs head sicne day one but was willing to give him benefit of the doubt BUT McD is here to stay whether we like it or not for another year at least. You don’t fire a superbowl coach, close friend, and one of the winningest coaches unless the new guy is someone u see as the future and plan on giving him more than one shot to prove himself..
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I understand McD deactivating Marshall because thats the only way to activate another receiver cuz we are thin at reciever. From what i got from the press conference…Marshall was didn’t think he could go…McD felt he was being a female dog and Marshall didn’t fight the deactivation…..but all he said in the press conference was soooooooo unnecessary, Disrespectful and just fueling the fire. He incites Drama without thinking…..
Incase yall remember, Marshall AND Sheffler both bumped heads with McD when he firsst came….Many of us thought Sheff might get released but luckily he stayed but now it looks like they have just gone back to bumping heads…so its nt a new thing….Besides even if they say Marshall is looking out for his well being because he doesn’t wanna injure his leg further come contract time….u damn right he doesn’t…..when organizations do something to players….we call it business…when players look at for their future as athletes we call it selfish?!?!?!? doesn’t add up to me…I am supposed to hold outs but health concerns are serious and remain even after ur career is over.
Baylin,
In light of recent developments…Ill like to re predict the scores….I still think we should be able to live without Marshall for one week (especially against the chiefs) and if we can’t we don’t deserve to be in the playoffs….with that being said I wanna re-predict saying
Broncos 20
Chiefs 10
I am OPPOSED to hold outs*****
It seems like the guys that are having a problem with McDaniels are the Shanahan guys from last year: Hillis, Sheffler, Marshall, Cutler; major pieces of the offense. Apparently, its a tough thing in the NFL to find players with talent and the right attitude. I am bummed that we let some games slip through our hands that would have ensured us a spot in the playoffs. But considering all the changes that were made this year; I am pleased with this team’s progress. Look at other teams that made staffing changes: Rams, Bucs, Browns, Raiders, Seattle, Chiefs. McDaniels is all about winning and making decisions that make us a winning team. I am sure he would sit a player that can get us a win without good reason.
Due to the unforeseen circumstances that took place at Dove Valley on the first day of the year, re-predictions are allowed for this week, one time only. LOL. But we still have our deadline set for tonight as usual.
So from what I gather, sndvl has revised to Bronco win 20-17 and TRB to Bronco win 20-10, as for stevecan2, if you want in, gotta make it clearer than that. LOL.