After Wednesday’s announcement that Ryan Harris was placed on injured reserve, the majority of future reps at right tackle will belong to Tyler Polumbus.
A starter from Nov. 9 against Pittsburgh through Nov. 26 against the Giants, the Colorado alum has gradually made greater strides on one of the stronger lines in the league.
“He knows what we’re doing and he knows our system,” Head Coach Josh McDaniels said. “He communicates well with the other players and he’s playing beside good players. We think that we have a guy who’s getting better each week.”
Harris improved his health status enough over the month of November to start against the Chiefs last Sunday. But McDaniels said his toe became too injured for him to play without having a medical procedure.
In turn, the Broncos made the roster move Wednesday, bringing in third-year tackle Herb Taylor to take Harris’ spot.
“We’re going to take care of that,” said McDaniels of Harris’ toe. “After that happens, (with) the length of time that he would need to recover from that, it wouldn’t make any sense for us to not make this move at this time on our roster.”
McDaniels added had no doubt that Harris was well healed enough to make his usual impact in Kansas City. He noted that the toe injury sustained by Harris against the Chiefs was different than the one sidelining him from Week 8 through Week 11.
“It’s the same toe, but it’s not the same injury to the toe,” McDaniels said. “It’s kind of a fluke deal. He was playing well until the time that it happened.”
Despite two daunting speed rushers to prepare for in the Colts’ Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis, Kyle Orton stressed that Polumbus’ presence gives him the same sense of protection that Harris’ does. No matter who’s in front of him, the job description for he and his linemen remains the same.
“I don’t let it affect me,” Orton said. “The guys have a job to do, and they’re expected to do it. Tyler is expected to do it just like Ryan does, and he’s done a good job.”
The combination of zero-degree temperatures and an impending trip to indoor Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday prompted the Broncos to move practice indoors. Here are some shots of the players exiting the team bus and entering the bubble on Wednesday.
For the release of the Week 14 Injury Report and more Wednesday news from Dove Valley, check back at DenverBroncos.com later this evening.
– Chris Gentilviso, DenverBroncos.com
Tags: Head Coach Josh McDaniels, Herb Taylor, Indianapolis Colts, Kyle Orton, Ryan Harris, Tyler Polumbus, Week 14
Ok with that said, and to be clear on what I am going to say I separated the two posts. I don’t believe this is a must win game for us to squeak into the playoffs. If I am one game away from my prediction at the start of the season we will be in the post season, we still might make it in. 10-6 will mean a spot at the table. We have already proved that when we bring our A-game we can compete at the post season level. But even our A-game may not be enough to stop the Colts, it will take them to lose this one.
stevecan2, agreed it is not a must win game as far as a wild card is concerned, but it is a must win game as far as winning the division is concerned, and until we are out of that division title race, that’s the only way I can look at it, and hopefully the team does too, rather than appraoch it the way you think. There will be plenty of time to look at the wild card race if and when we find ourselves out of the division title race. Just my opinion.
as the old saying goes(every dog has its day)…..as great as they are, win streak are just that… a streak. but as with everything else in life, it must come to an end. i am suprised to see so many people not giving denver a realistic chance to beat indy, nobody thought we would start 6-0, but we did… nobody thought marshall was even going to play in denver, let alone come out of the gate like dragster. but he did… nobody thought mcd was going to be worth a s–t, becouse HE DIDENT HAVE WHAT IT TAKES… i mean comon…denver may not be what you would call…….PERFECT…….. but they are not chumps either…weve managed to beat some pretty good teams to this point, there is no reason we cant bring down mighty indy. all the guys have to do is tighten the j- strap, pin there ears back, and put the hurtin on….
According to the poll (on nfl.com) about who will win the game. Over 40% pick the Broncos and over 50% pick the colts. Sounds similar in here.
I know the Broncos will consider this the biggest game of the year to date, there is no way we let the colts get the 22nd game on us.
GO BRONCOS !!!
Indy is beat up on the defensive side of the ball (Mathis with a leg injury just makes him an under-sized end, not the blur he usually is). As great as their pass rush has been, we have 7 more sacks then they do. This is the first time we get to see this 3-4 defense play inside. I think folks (Indy included) will be shocked at how fast we are on the turf. I see Ayers getting his first sack in this game. All our linebacker speed has the chance to give Manning fits in our new scheme, especially with a secondary that has seen him many times before.
As I said in an earlier post, Indy’s special teams is average at best. Royal may have a field day on returns on the turf. And I can’t wait to see the acceleration of Moreno and Buck in open space on the rug. Remember the lightening of Quentin Griffin against Indy? These guys are quicker than he was, and more powerful runners. I think we actually match-up with the Colts better than we ever have with previous teams.
Did you get my pick baylinorcrush?
for those who picked indy to blow us out and/or win. if we win i hope u feel ashamed of yourselves!
I am one of the few people alive who believes that the Broncos can not only beat Indy at home, but in fact blow them out. Broncos defense will give Manning and his offense fits, especially when he is pressed out of the pocket. Broncos offensive backs and receivers are on the game, and have not slacked off on extra effort, even in the 4 losses. Key to the win for the Broncos will be the Broncos Offensive Line. They must play with not only extra effort, but no mistakes. If they can give Orton the pocket and a little time to work, the offense will rip. Controlling the ball on offense is vital, no three and outs. Broncos must convert! If they can give the Broncos Defense the time to catch their breath and stay fresh, the Indy offense will hurt for yardage. Broncos Offensive Line… The Win is up to you.
I’m with you ColoradoNovelst, this game is very winnable. We have to play 60 minutes (just ask Miami or Houston), but this is not the dominate machine that Indy has had in the past.
We have more team speed than they do, more experience in the secondary, and better special teams. This is a game for us to take if we play like we have the past 2 weeks.
I agree ColoradoNovelst, the win will come from the trenches and I think The Broncos running game will determine the winner and The Denver Broncos will prevail!
TIME OF POSSESSION ! ! !
GO BRONCOS ! ! !