Broncos Injury Update: TE Julius Thomas Should Play vs. Titans

Nov 17, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos tight end Julius Thomas (80) reacts to his touchdown reception with tackle Orlando Franklin (74) and running back Knowshon Moreno (27) in the first quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Broncos’ injury report against the Tennessee Titans is about a mile long, which isn’t all that surprising considering the three game stretch they just went through (vs. KC, @NE, @KC), but aside from three players, everyone was a full participant in practice on Thursday.

Only Trindon Holliday and Derek Wolfe didn’t participate for the Broncos, and wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (shoulder) was limited.

That means that star tight end Julius Thomas–who has missed the Broncos’ last two games and some of the first KC game–was a full participant in practice on Thursday, and if all goes according to plan leading up to the game, he’s expected to suit up and play on Sunday against the Titans.

This will be a big boost for the Broncos’ offense, of course, which has used a combination of Jacob Tamme, Virgil Green, and Joel Dreessen in Thomas’ absence. Thomas is such a great athlete and a mismatch on nickel corners, and it will be key having him back against the Titans, which have a very athletic defense.

The Broncos also got some great news in regards to cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, who was also a full participant in practice. DRC was injured in the first half blowout against New England, when he foolishly dove for a hail mary pass by Tom Brady that would have landed safely on the ground as time expired.

It was rumored during that game that DRC would be probable to return, but he hasn’t played since. Hopefully he’s fully recovered and can get back to shutting down opposing receivers.