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Broncos vs. Bears injury report: Sanders, Smith, and Walker are all game-time decisions

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

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

The Broncos returned to practicing outside today after practicing inside the Pat Bowlen Field House on Wednesday and Thursday.

Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders returned to practice today after sitting out Wednesday's practice, and being limited yesterday. Despite practicing today, Sanders is going to be a game-time decision according to Head Coach Gary Kubiak.

I'd expect Sanders to play, but be on a "pitch count" like he was last Sunday. Look for Cody Latimer to step up this Sunday. He and starting quarterback Brock Osweiler are on the same page, and this could help Latimer get on the field.

Broncos defensive linemen Antonio Smith and Vance Walker sat out their third straight day of practice today. Smith is dealing with a hip injury while Walker is dealing with a shoulder injury. Both players will be game-time decisions for Sunday's game despite not being able to practice at all this week.

The other big news from today's practice was confirmation that quarterback Peyton Manning will not travel with the team to Chicago. Linebacker DeMarcus Ware will also not travel with the team.

The Broncos want both players to stay back and focus on their rehab this weekend. Ware is dealing with a back injury that he suffered against the Indianapolis Colts, and Manning is dealing with rib, foot, and other injuries. There's nothing to really to look into here. Players often stay back during road games rather than travel with the team. A long plane ride, and spending a day in Chicago isn't going to help Manning or Ware get healthy.

Manning will not have a reunion with former Head Coach John Fox, and former Offensive Coordinator Adam Gase this weekend. Both coaches hold the same positions with the Chicago Bears.

As for the Bears, they will be without former Denver Broncos receiver Eddie Royal. He has been ruled out for Sunday's game with a knee injury.

Wide receiver Alshon Jeffery did not participate in practice for the second straight day, and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game. I'd expect him to be a game-time decision as well.

Both Pernell McPhee and Matt Forte returned to practice on a limited basis today. Both players are dealing with knee injuries and are questionable for Sunday's game. Like Jeffery, i'd expect these two to be game time decisions.

Denver Broncos

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

Chicago Bears

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