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Broncos vs. Bears injury report: Sanders limited, and Ware ruled out

Here is your Thursday injury report for the Denver Broncos and the Chicago Bears.

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

The Denver Broncos once again practiced inside today because their outdoor practice field was "really, really wet" according to Head Coach Gary Kubiak.

The big news from today's practice was that wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders returned to practice on a limited basis today. He sat out Wednesday's practice with an ankle and finger injury. Head Coach Gary Kubiak said after practice that he expects that Sanders will have a full practice on Friday.

It would be nice to see a healthy Sanders out there on Sunday.

There was some hope that linebacker DeMarcus Ware would make it back for this weekend's game, but Kubiak officially ruled him out for Sunday's game. Youngsters Shaquil Barrett and Shane Ray will once again step in for Ware this weekend.

Two Denver Broncos defensive lineman continued to sit out practice this week. Defensive end's Vance Walker and Antonio Smith have both missed that last two practices. Kubiak told reporters that he expected to see Smith practicing today and that he isn't sure about their status for Sunday. If one or both are unable to go, look for Kenny Anunike to get some reps at defensive end.

Kubiak was asked about newly acquired offensive lineman Sam Brenner. He said that they were looking for a player who could provide depth at center and guard. The Broncos have Max Garcia and James Ferentz as their backup guard and center, but neither provide depth at both positions. So they saw an opportunity to add a player who has starting experience and experience at guard and center.

One storyline to watch involving the injured Peyton Manning is whether or not the quarterback will travel with the team or stay back in Denver to receive treatment.

It will be weird to watch a Denver Broncos game and not see the future Hall Of Fame quarterback not on the field nor the sideline. If Peyton doesn't travel with the team, it will be interesting to see how much of an impact that has on Osweiler and the rest of his teammates.

With the Bears practicing in their inside practice facility which has artifical turf, the Bears decided to rest Matt Forte and Alshon Jeffrey for precautionary reasons. Both plays are recovering from injuries that could be re-aggrivated on the tough playing surface.

Outside of those two changes, the Bears practice report remained unchanged from Wednesday. Linebacker Pernell McPhee and wide receiver Eddie Royal sat out their second straight practice. Friday will be a big day for both players.

Denver Broncos

Player Pos. Injury Wed. Participation Thur. Participation Fri. Participation Game Status
Owen Daniels TE Shoulder/Knee DNP LIMITED
Peyton Manning QB Foot/Rib Cage DNP OUT
Emmanuel Sanders WR Ankle/Finger DNP LIMITED
DeMarcus Ware OLB Back DNP OUT
Antonio Smith DE Hip DNP OUT
Vance Walker DE Shoulder DNP OUT
David Bruton Jr. S Quadricep FULL FULL
Louis Vasquez OG Back FULL FULL
Virgil Green TE Finger FULL FULL
Ryan Harris OT Knee FULL FULL
Ronnie Hillman RB Quadricep FULL FULL
Matt Paradis C Elbow FULL FULL
Shane Ray OLB Knee FULL FULL
Danny Trevathan ILB Rib Cage FULL FULL
Derek Wolfe DE Solar Plexus FULL FULL

Chicago Bears

Player Pos. Injury Wed. Participation Thur. Participation Fri. Participation Game Status
Pernell McPhee LB Knee DNP DNP
Eddie Royal WR Knee DNP DNP
Matt Forte RB Knee LIMITED DNP
Hroniss Grasu C Neck LIMITED LIMITED
Alshon Jeffery WR Groin/Shoulder LIMITED DNP
Shea McClellin LB Knee LIMITED LIMITED
Antrel Rolle CB Ankle LIMITED LIMITED
Jermon Bushrod T Shoulder FULL FULL
Matt Slauson G/C Elbow/Ankle FULL FULL