Horse Tracks: Aqib Talib back at practice with Broncos

Good morning, Broncos Country.

The No Fly Zone has performed admirably the past two weeks with star cornerback Aqib Talib on the sidelines due to a back injury, but the team received good news with the Pro-Bowl ballhawk returning to practice yesterday.

If all goes well over the course of the next two weeks, Talib should be ready to play when the Denver Broncos host the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday Night Football on November 27.

"It was really good. I think I told you guys yesterday he worked a little bit on his own. I watched him from upstairs. He’s feeling good," stated Head Coach Gary Kubiak in regard to Talib returning to practice.  "The injection was a successful thing that they did. I know how excited he is about the last six weeks, so it’s good to see him get some work in. We’ll pick it up again next week."

The Broncos are currently slated in the sixth spot of the AFC playoff race, trailing shortly behind the Oakland Raiders and the Chiefs in the division.  Denver will host both rivals in the last six games of the season, and will also head on the road to Arrowhead Stadium to face-off against Kansas City on Christmas.

Those three games and the others against New England, Jacksonville and Tennessee will be essential in the Broncos' pursuit of a second straight Lombardi Trophy.  Having Talib back and healthy will only bolster the teams' opportunity at success and reaching their ultimate goal, and Kubiak knows how much his presence means on the field for Denver.

"It’s his attitude. He’s just such a positive play-making, energy guy. Aqib is a loud guy, a personality, but it’s all about football when he’s out here. He’s very bright. We missed him. It’s great to have him back and it’s just great to know that he’s feeling well," said Kubiak.

And though the team must retain focus in order to meet their lofty expectations, Kubiak knows that giving his players some rest and time away from football is much needed and deserved.

"I think we all have to stay locked in. It’s human nature. I want them to get away from football a little bit. They need to. It’s been a long haul here and we have a big haul coming up. I think when you’re in this business, no one quits watching what is going on or what’s happening," mentioned Kubiak.

"We know who we’re playing. Guys are getting a head start on that today. We’ve had some good meetings. Now, I want to get their bodies and minds fresh," he went on to add.

A little rest and relaxation will go a long ways for the Broncos, who control their own destiny and could very well end up as the AFC's top seed and obtain home field advantage if they can take care of business against their rivals and other opponents the rest of the season.  It's a big challenge, but certainly nothing the Broncos aren't familiar with.

If you thought the first ten games of the season were exciting, just wait and see what happens when our beloved franchise resumes play on the field in late November.  It is going to be a wild ride.

As always, thank you for reading and here is today's offering of Horse Tracks.

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