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Broncos vs. Steelers: Divisional Round Preview

By Tylor Walden

Jan 3, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) leaves the field following the game against the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Chargers 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) leaves the field following the game against the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Chargers 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Darian Stewart
Jan 3, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos free safety Darian Stewart (26) breaks up a pass intended for San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) in the first quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Injury Report

Broncos fans must be excited that the team got a first round bye in the playoffs. And it has really helped the Broncos themselves. Looking into their injury report as of Thursday afternoon, they are relativity healthy.

The only two players who did not participate on Thursday was quarterback Brock Osweiler (knee) and backup offensive guard Robert Myers Jr. (illness) The buzz around the Broncos is that they could be prepared to have all three quarterback’s active for the game. With Manning still good to go for Sunday, it could be a precautionary reason.

It could all come down to how Osweiler’s practice participation goes on Friday. Something for Broncos fans to keep an eye on.

On the limited side on Thursday, the Broncos saw Max Garcia (groin), Demarcus Ware (knee), Chris Harris Jr. (shoulder), and Darian Stewart (hamstring) have a light session on the day. I do not believe that there is any reason to be concerned with these four players, but I am keeping a close eye on Stewart. Hamstring injuries can be challenging to recover fully from.

On the Pittsburgh Steelers side, it could be going a lot better. But they were without two of their key players. Wide receiver Antonio Brown (concussion) and DeAngelo Williams (foot) were not at practice on Thursday and the buzz is that it is looking like both players could miss this game.

New names to appear on the injury report for the Steelers are tight end Matt Spaeth and safety Will Allen, who both missed practice due to a non-injury related matter. I’m thinking this could be a rest day for them both.

Another big name is Ben Roethlisberger, who was limited on Thursday with the right shoulder injury. In practice, he has yet to throw the football. Instead, he has handed it off to running backs.

I have stated before that Roethlisberger should not risk even more injury to himself by playing in this game. However, I also would not be surprised if he takes any form of pain killers to at least numb it. I would have to say he is leaning more towards the questionable status for this game.

The defensive side for the Steelers got a boost however. After missing Wednesday, James Harrison (non-injury related), Ryan Shazier (knee), and Cameron Heyward (back) were back at practice on Thursday.

These injuries will be something to keep an eye on when Friday rolls around. But it appears the Broncos will be the healthier team this time around.

Next: Key Matchups

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