LINEBACKER WARE EXPECTS TO PLAY JAN. 17
Read DeMarcus Ware’s résumé, and it wants for almost nothing. He has nine Pro Bowl berths. He ranks 11th in all- time sacks. But one thing remains absent: playoff success. Ware has appeared in five postseason games in his 11- year career— but has come away with only one win.
With the Broncos owning the AFC’s top playoff seed, Ware isn’t about tomiss his chance. Despite suffering a knee injury in the third quarter of Sunday’s game against San Diego, the outside linebacker said he expects to be ready for the Broncos’ playoff opener Jan. 17.
Ware didn’t reveal specifics about his knee injury, which has kept him out of practice thisweek. He also continues to rehab a structural issue in his back as part of amaintenance routine.
Defensive coordinator Wade Phillips believes his defense will be at full strength. Rest thisweek has helped. Cornerback Chris Harris ( shoulder), inside linebacker Brandon Marshall ( ankle) and safety Darian Stewart ( hamstring) are healing. Stewart visited a specialist in Atlanta, who confirmed therewas no tear.
“It was good news,” Stewart said. “It will be better for next week. I am thankful for this time off.”
Brock is tough.
When quarterback Brock Osweiler missed practice Thursday, it came as a surprise. Why? Osweiler played through a sprained right knee Sunday and only sought treatment Monday when it lingered, requiring an MRI.
Osweiler, who performed well in previous weeks despite injuries to his left elbow and shoulder, will not practice this week.
Chargers linebacker Melvin Ingram hit Osweiler’s right knee on a pass that was intercepted, causing the injury.
Gift for Danny T.
Marshall is a great teammate. After a spirited competition, Marshall presented inside linebacker Danny Trevathan with an inscribed bottle of Jim Beam. It reads: “Danny T. 2015 Broncos Leading Tackler, The Lion, 110.”
“That’s just a little something he wanted to get me. I plan on getting him something. It’s a blessing to be in this position,” said Trevathan, who rebounded successfully from three knee injuries last season. “We were blindsided by getting hurt. But we are pros, and we adapted.”
Marshall finished with 101 tackles. He led the team until the final game, logging only three snaps against the Chargers because of an ankle issue.
Footnotes.
Coach Gary Kubiak admitted that one of the surprises this season was tailback Ronnie Hillman proving he could be “a three- down player,” based on his improvement in pass protection. ... Cornerback Omar Bolden ( hamstring) continues to practice, suggesting he will be available for the playoffs. He has been missed on special teams. ... Kubiak, on Terrell Davis being a Hall of Fame finalist: “He was a difference- maker for our organization, our football team to get over the top.”