Dec 6, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Denver Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak speaks at a press conference following the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Denver won 17-3. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
The Denver Broncos got out of San Diego pretty banged up. Who is playing and who is not this weekend against the Raiders?
This week has been kind of strange for the Broncos. The team has 22 players on the injury report. The good part is that half of them were probable after Friday’s practice. We know that Peyton Manning, Danny Trevathan, and T.J. Ward will miss the game with injuries.
However, who else will not be playing? Let us take a look at this weekend’s inactive list.
The #Broncos' gameday inactives https://t.co/rLjJOxfiKC pic.twitter.com/nBHtHSNx4o
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) December 13, 2015
QB Peyton Manning
ILB Danny Trevathan
SS T.J. Ward
WR Andre Caldwell
DB David Bruton
DB Omar Bolden
OL Sam Brenner
The biggest thing to focus on for this list is the limited depth at safety. With David Bruton and Omar Bolden now ruled out as well as T.J. Ward, the Broncos only have Darian Stewart and newly signed players Shiloh Keo and Josh Bush as safety depth this weekend.
All I can say is that I pray that the Broncos do not deal with any more injuries at the safety position. Both Keo and Bush are going to be relied on a lot.
Other than that, the other names on the inactive list does not surprise. Sam Brenner will be a healthy scratch once again, while Andre Caldwell has been limited throughout practice with a quad injury.
Another big thing to keep an eye on is C.J. Anderson. While he is active today, the Broncos will be using him in a very limited role in the game. This means that we will be seeing a heavy dose of Ronnie Hillman and Juwan Thompson against the Raiders.
Next: Broncos vs. Raiders Game Thread
With Danny Trevathan out, look for a dose of Todd Davis and Brandon Marshall looking to anchor the run defense and stop the run game and drop back in coverage. Davis has some game day experience and has done well.
The Broncos will be getting Demarcus Ware back for the game after he has missed the last four games with a back injury. But Kubiak will most likely be very cautious with him. Kickoff will be at 4:05 PM EST/2:05 PM MST. Go Broncos!