The Broncos were busy sorting through their medical issues Sunday as a selection of players came through their Dove Valley complex to meet with the team’s training staff or simply take care of the usual post-game bumps and bruises.
Among the most notable injuries from Saturday night’s 40-10 preseason loss in Seattle were to defensive tackle Derek Wolfe (neck), cornerback Champ Bailey (left foot) and wide receiver Wes Welker (right ankle).
Bailey underwent a MRI exam Sunday to check the soft tissue of the foot after X-rays were negative. The MRI showed no major tears, but Bailey was dealing with plenty of soreness in the arch of his foot and the exact timetable for a return to practice was still uncertain. The Broncos are hopeful they see progress in him over the next three weeks so he will be available for the Sept. 5 regular-season opener against the Ravens.
Wolfe, after tests in a Seattle hospital Saturday night, was allowed to return to Denver on the team’s chartered flight. He is expected, at this point, to be available for the season opener against Baltimore. He had been taken from the field by ambulance after being strapped to a backboard after a collision with Seahawks fullback Michael Robinson.
Wolfe, an active Twitter participant, posted Sunday; “Thanks for the prayers everyone, ill (sic) be okay and will be back on the field soon.’’
Welker was treated for a sprained ankle and is expected to be available for the Ravens game as well if all goes well.
It's unlikely any of the three see any more game action in this preseason. The Broncos starters are expected to play into the second half of Saturday’s preseason game against the Rams in Denver, but then most, or all, of the Broncos regulars are then expected to be held out of preseason finale against Arizona just five days after the St. Louis game.
Broncos guard Louis Vasquez was also in for treatment on his left knee, but could be available to practice this week if all goes well.