Bailey, Dreessen Out For The Broncos In Week One
By Editorial Staff
Cornerback Champ Bailey (24) speaks to the media at the Broncos training facility. (Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports)
Both starting cornerback Champ Bailey (foot) and tight end Joel Dreessen (knee) have been ruled out for the Broncos in their week one matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. Is there a cause for concern? Absolutely not.
Bailey hasn’t practiced fully since he injured his foot in the week two preseason game against the Seahawks. Chris Harris will take his spot with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie playing on the other side.
The Broncos have been preparing for the game assuming Bailey wasn’t going to play. He hasn’t taken part in 11-on-11 drills since the injury.
Dreessen has not yet played in a preseason game. He had a second knee scope at the start of training camp, so his availability or lack thereof isn’t a surprise. Julius Thomas will likely get the start at tight end.
Running back C.J. Anderson (knee) is out and Chris Kuper (ankle) is listed as doubtful.
Even without Bailey on the field, the Ravens don’t have their full team on the receiving end. Tight end Dennis Pitta is on the IR (designated to return) with a hip fracture.
The Broncos are making the right move keeping Bailey on the sidelines. There’s still 15+ games left after this one, and the team needs him there more at the end than at the beginning.
Here’s the game’s full injury report.
Denver Broncos:
RB C.J. Anderson (Knee) – Out
CB Champ Bailey (Foot) – Out
TE Joel Dreessen (Knee) – Out
G Chris Kuper (Ankle) – Doubtful
DE Robert Ayers (Achilles) – Probable
T Ryan Clady (Shoulder) – Probable
QB Brock Osweiler (Left Shoulder) – Probable
WR Wes Welker (Ankle) – Probable
Baltimore Ravens:
DT Art Jones (Illness) – Out
T Ryan Jensen (Foot) – Doubtful
WR Deonte Thompson (Foot) – Doubtful
DT Brandon Williams (Toe) – Doubtful
DE Pernell McPhee (Knee) – Probable
TE Ed Dickson (Thigh) – Probable
STATUS DEFINITIONS:
Out – player definitely will not play
Doubtful – at least 75% chance player will not play
Questionable – 50-50 chance player will not play
Probable – virtual certainty player will be available for normal duty
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