Denver Broncos vs. San Francisco 49ers Thursday Injury Report: Juwan Thompson returns to practice

The Denver Broncos continue their tough stretch through their schedule this Sunday Night when they host the San Francisco 49ers. This Sunday's game will be the Broncos fifth game against a team that won at least 10 games in 2013.

Denver Broncos Head Coach John Fox expects the Niners to be a tough test for his team this Sunday Night.

"I think we’ve had a pretty salty schedule thus far and this week is no different. A team that’s been to three championship games, lost the championship game a year ago, one of the better records in football in recent history, very well coached, good organization, and an outstanding roster in all phases of the game."

Now the Broncos did receive some good news on the practice field. Rookie running back Juwan Thompson missed his second straight Wednesday practice this week, but did return to "full practice" accroding to Fox.

Other than Thompson, the only other absent Broncos player was running back Montee Ball who is still recovering from a groin injury that suffered in week five against the Arizona Cardinals.

One more tidbit on the running backs, Denver Broncos offensive coordinator offered a bit of a back-handed compliment to starting running back Ronnie Hillman today.

Adam Gase with a backhanded compliment of Hillman: "he's got unusual speed...if he can just make a safety miss, it could be even bigger..."

— Brandon Krisztal (@BKDenverSports) October 16, 2014

That has always been an issue for Hillman. He has a hard time making people miss. If he can develop that aspect of his game, and combine that with his speed he could have some big plays in the future.

Here's a quick video of Von Miller working on his pass rushing technique during today's practice. Miller has been looking like his old self in 2014, and will need to continue that success if the Broncos defense wants to keep quarterback Colin Kaepernick in check.

There has been a lot of talk about who will catch Peyton Manning's record breaking touchdown pass, but wide receiver Demaryius Thomas isn't too worried about it. The Broncos All-Pro wide receiver only cares about winning.

"I just want to win." - @DemaryiusT on if he hopes to catch Peyton's 509th TD pass. #Broncos #SFvsDEN pic.twitter.com/yHMi77Ke42

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) October 16, 2014

Only winners get wings.

As for the Niners, they will more then likely be without one of their team leaders, and best players on Sunday Night.

49ers LB Patrick Willis (toe) is still wearing orthopedic boot on left foot. He's not expected to play on Sunday vs. Broncos.

— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoCSN) October 16, 2014

The 49ers are one banged up squad. They will be missing linebacker Patrick Willis and Navorro Bowman due to injury, and pass rusher Aldon Smith because of a suspension. Also cornerback/safety Jimmie Ward is also in doubt for Sunday Night's game. They're already without their starting nose tackle Glenn Dorsey as well.

Even with all those losses they Niners haven't missed a beat on defense, but could the loss of Willis be too much for them to overcome, especially against Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos high-powered offense?

Denver Broncos

San Francisco 49ers

STATUS DEFINITIONS:

BOLD-Indicates change in status

Out - player definitely will not play

Doubtful - at least 75% chance player will not play

Questionable - 50-50 chance player will not play

Probable - virtual certainty player will be available for normal duty