Broncos and Chargers injury report: Thomas and Marshall limited, Watson not practicing

A host of Broncos veteran’s who received a day off on Wednesday returned to practice today. Those players include running back Jamaal Charles, cornerback Aqib Talib, nose tackle Domata Peko, and tight end A.J. Derby.

Also returning to practice(in a limited manner) was wide receiver Demaryius Thomas(Calf) and linebacker Brandon Marshall(Shoulder). Thomas was never really in doubt of missing Sunday’s game, but there was some question about Marshall. The fact he put in at least some level of practice today increases his chances of playing on Sunday. What he does tomorrow will really give us an idea about his potential availability for Sunday’s game, however.

It wasn’t all good news for the Broncos. Starting right tackle Menelik Watson continued to sit out practice and it’s beginning to look like he will miss Sunday’s game against the rival Chargers. If he does sit out, it appears that Donald Stephenson and/or Alan Barbre will be the two guys taking over for him. Head Coach Vance Joseph did make it sound like it would be Stephenson on Sunday.

“Today, Stephenson worked there. We also had [G] Allen Barbre worked there. I’d be really comfortable with Stephenson. That’s why he’s here. He’s our swing tackle. He’s the next guy in. He’s an experienced guy, so if he has to play, he has to play.”

Also popping up on the injury report is backup inside linebacker Corey Nelson(Elbow). This is noteworthy because if Brandon Marshall is unable to go on Sunday, Nelson would be next in line. The Broncos inside linebacking spot is a tad banged up currently.

As for the Chargers, defensive tackle Corey Liuget was downgraded from limited on Wednesday to a DNP on Thursday. So his status could be up in the air for Sunday’s matchup. Also added to the Chargers injury report is star receiver Keenan Allen with a shoulder issue. I do not think he is in danger of missing Sunday’s game, but his shoulder will be something to watch moving forward.

Here is your entire Thursday injury report for the Denver Broncos and the Los Angeles Chargers.

BOLD - Indicates change in status; NIR­- Indicates not injury related

STATUS DEFINITIONS: Did not participate (DNP); Limited: means less than 100 percent of a player’s normal repetitions; Full: 100 percent of player’s normal repetitions; Out: will not play; Doubtful: Unlikely to play; Questionable: Uncertain to play