The Broncos are going to be in decent shape regarding injuries on Sunday, while the Chargers will be quite depleted.
On Denver’s side, the only less-than-probables are Brandon Marshall and TJ Ward. It’s easy to wonder whether both will have reduced snap counts if they’re healthy, especially if the Broncos get off to a good start. Should the Broncos get a first round bye by winning, Marshall and Ward will get two weeks of rest, and potentially three if they are inactive or have reduced playing time.
Injury woes have been a season long theme for the Chargers, and for their last game they once again start with the offensive line. Old friend Orlando Franklin is out with a concussion, making this his sixth missed game in 2015. Left tackle King Dunlap is doubtful with an ankle injury, and his backup Chris Hairston is questionable on his abdomen. Center Trevor Robinson is questionable with both a shoulder injury and a concussion. The opportunity is there for the Broncos’ front seven to feast once again.
Other notable Chargers questionables include Jason Verrett, Manti Te’o, and Stevie Johnson. And their injury report also doesn’t account for a bunch of other key players they placed on injured reserve Monday:
Chargers placed safeties Eric Weddle (groin) and Darrell Stuckey (knee), TE Ladarius Green (ankle), NT Sean Lissemore (shoulder) on IR.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 28, 2015