MILLER AVOIDS NFL FINE WITH ROBOT DANCE

A moment of clarity prevented linebacker Von Miller from a financial pitfall. He sacked San Diego star Philip Rivers last weekend, stood up and made a key decision.

“No pumps. I thought about it for a split second, but it’s too expensive,” said Miller, who was facing a fine from the NFL if he continued his previous jig.

Miller, who leads the Broncos with nine sacks, opted for the dabbing robot. He comes up with new moves each week, but he and DeMarcus Ware made the mistake of revealing a highlight reel to rookie Shane Ray, who missed Thursday’s practice because of an illness, before the game. In 2012, Miller somersaulted after a sack against the Chargers. Ray found inspiration in the move, honoring Miller after a sack last weekend.

“You can’t show Shane stuff like that. You have to show him after,” Miller said. “I thought it was pretty creative. But he has a long way to go. I am confident he will get it better. It was cool, though.”

Manning repeats drill.

The day after increased activity remains the most important when rehabbing an injury. In that regard, quarterback Peyton Manning made progress Thursday, throwing passes and performing drill work for the second consecutive morning. He plans to continue the routine the remainder of the week. Manning has been ruled out for Sunday. He continues to focus on rebuilding strength in his left foot. His return date remains uncertain, and impossible to gauge until he is able to practice with the team.

Twitter not the answer.

Hopefuls bombarded Broncos defensive coordinator Wade Phillips with tweets after safety Shiloh Keo reached out to the @sonofbum account and signed this week. Keo was unique. Coach Gary Kubiak drafted him in Houston, and he knows Denver’s defense after playing for Phillips.

“I have been getting a million tweets, ‘Hey, I can play football. I play flag football.’ So we need to back off on that. I am not the guy getting them on the team,” Phillips said.

Keo will play on special teams and possibly on defense. Phillips expects Josh Bush, signed last week the traditional way — the team knew him from training camp and earlier this season — to see significant snaps with the possibility T.J. Ward and David Bruton could both be out. For now, the Broncos are not planning to use cornerback Bradley Roby at safety.

Vernon returns.

The Broncos’ injury list features 22 players. Some are improving. Tight end Vernon Davis (concussion) returned to practice. Running backs C.J. Anderson (ankle) and Ronnie Hillman (foot) are expected to work out Friday. Danny Trevathan remains sidelined. If the linebacker can’t play Sunday, Todd Davis will start.

Williams update.

Nose tackle Sylvester Williams showed good agility on his sprained ankle Thursday, leading to optimism that he will play Sunday.

“It’s holding up pretty good,” said Williams, who has 19 tackles and three sacks this season.

Footnotes.

Defensive back Omar Bolden (hamstring) is expected to be a game-time decision. ... The Broncos have won eight consecutive games against Oakland.