Champ Bailey, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie Should be Back vs. Chiefs Sunday

Nov 17, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (45) saves a touchdown by pushing Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (25) out of bounds after thirty five yard run in the second quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

There’s not always much silver lining after the kind of loss the Broncos suffered Sunday, but luckily the second half debacle in New England did not cost the Broncos two things.

1. It did not cost them their #1 overall seed in the AFC.

2. It did not cost them Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie for more than a half.

The Broncos expect Rodgers-Cromartie’s injury is minor, and he should be back against the Chiefs in week 13 after diving for a meaningless interception in the closing seconds of the first half against the Patriots.

Not only do the Broncos expect Rodgers-Cromartie to practice and play this week, but they also expect future Hall of Fame corner Champ Bailey to do so as well. This is a bit more prominent news as DRC’s injury was considered minor in the first place, but Bailey has played in just two games all year for the Broncos.

The word was that Bailey was healthy enough to play against the Patriots, but the Broncos didn’t want to rush him back, nor does Bailey want to rush back.

The time to come back is now.

Two weeks ago, the Broncos faced their biggest game of the season, a showdown in Denver with the Chiefs. Now, they have another “biggest game of the season.”

This game in Kansas City is a must-win for both teams, and it will put one team in the driving seat of the AFC and one team fighting for home-field advantage. The Chiefs have lost two in a row within the AFC West, which works out well for the Broncos if indeed they end up with the same record. The Broncos currently have the better division win percentage.

With games coming up against Tennessee, Houston, Oakland, and San Diego, it’s important that Bailey is able to get his feet underneath him and start getting his playoff legs ready. The Broncos will need him badly down the stretch.

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie has been a fabulous addition to the defense, grading out as the no. 5 overall cornerback in the NFL by Pro Football Focus.