Julius Thomas' injury status pending an ankle MRI Monday; Duke Ihenacho's status unknown

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:

Thomas will undergo an MRI Monday, according to Vic Lombardi of CBS4.

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:

Denver's bye week couldn't have come at a better time.

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