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

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.

Antonio, Emmanuel and Vance all listed as questionable. All game time decisions

— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) November 20, 2015

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.

Peyton Manning won't travel to Chicago, #Broncos coach Gary Kubiak told reporters. He won't get his reunion with so many ex-#Broncos coaches

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 20, 2015

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

Chicago Bears