The Thursday injury report for the Denver Broncos brought no surprises, but the New England Patriots added a prominent defense player to their list.
Denver Broncos linebackers Todd Davis and Brandon Marshall are still question marks for Sunday. Davis did not practice fully, rather participated in the light work on Thursday afternoon.
He is dealing with an oblique injury that shut him down for the second half versus the Tennessee Titans. Zaire Anderson stepped in for Davis in that second half and became a key cog in stopping DeMarco Murray/Derrick Henry. Anderson appears on track to make his first career start on Sunday.
On the other hand, the injury to keep a key eye on this Sunday against the New England Patriots is Marshall. He is an incredible athlete and cover linebacker to keep players like Martellus Bennett in his hip pocket.
Corey Nelson is the backup who performed exceptionally well against Delanie Walker, the Titans tight end. Unfortunately, the Patriots do a great job of matching up and exposing the biggest weakness of a defense. Both Bennett and Chris Hogan may be x-factors for the Broncos secondary to cover.
#Broncos Kubiak said hopes Todd Davis practices tomorrow. Zaire Anderson and Corey Nelson will get snaps @DenverChannel
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) December 15, 2016
In a bit of a surprise, Dont’a Hightower’ name showed up in the Patriots injury report with a knee injury. All of that can change if Hightower happens to be listed on the final injury list. Hightower is one of their best athletes and linebackers. Losing Hightower, allows the Broncos a chance in the running game with Devontae Booker and Justin Forsett.
Dont’a Hightower (knee) added to injury report https://t.co/QBWMcIDhsg
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) December 15, 2016
Furthermore, the final injury report is tomorrow and the Patriots will have a new face to the wide receiver corps in the addition of Michael Floyd. Floyd is a talented, gifted individual can help the passing game without Gronkowski, but question will remain if he can pick up the Patriots’ offense quickly. Another query is if Floyd is listed on the active list for Sunday.
As a result, there will be more clarity to the Broncos and Patriots injury list tomorrow.
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