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Two of the biggest breakout stars of the Broncos' 2013 season left Week 8 with respective ankle injuries. Neither player returned to the field, and both players' statuses are still unclear.
Denver Broncos tight end Julius Thomas' foot was wrapped up and twisted on a tackle midway through Denver's 45-21 win over Washington. The breakout NFL and fantasy star had scored at least one touchdown in six out of seven games heading into Week 8; his loss will certainly be felt for both Broncos fans and his owners in fantasy.
Julius Thomas tweeted this Sunday:
Appreciate all the well wishes! Find out tomorrow what's up with the injury. Will keep you all posted
— Julius Thomas (@Julius_Thomas) October 28, 2013
Thomas will undergo an MRI Monday, according to Vic Lombardi of CBS4.
Julius Thomas will undergo an MRI on his ankle/leg/foot tomorrow. Did not see him in the locker room after the game.
— Vic Lombardi (@VicLombardi) October 28, 2013
Meanwhile, Duke Ihenacho's loss also looms large. An undrafted player from a year ago, Ihenacho skyrocketed up the Broncos' depth chart after a strong training camp and preseason. Ihenacho didn't provide an update to his status, but thanked his twitter followers for the support.
The Broncos have good depth at both positions behind these players - Joel Dreessen had a one-yard touchdown grab in Julius Thomas' absence, while veteran safety Mike Adams, who started at strong safety a year ago, stepped in for Ihenacho.
But even with that depth, the Broncos' injury report is a mile long these days. Hopefully each player's prognosis is minor, and Thomas and Ihenacho can spend the bye week getting healthy for a Week 10 return.
That's the hope; the facts are still to come.
Update (10/28/13, 3:50 p.m. MT): Thomas says he won't be out long:
Just left the facility MRI showed it wasn't a high ankle sprain so I won't be down long. Be back soon #CantWait
— Julius Thomas (@Julius_Thomas) October 28, 2013
Denver's bye week couldn't have come at a better time.