The Broncos expect to have cornerback Champ Bailey and tight end Julius Thomas back in the lineup for their date with the Chiefs in Week 13, but it doesn’t look like they’ll have defensive tackle Kevin Vickerson.
Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that Vickerson dislocated his hip in Sunday night’s overtime loss to the Patriots. Per Schefter, Vickerson doesn’t need surgery to repair the injury, but he’s expected to be out for six weeks so his season could be over if the Broncos don’t survive in the playoffs long enough for Vickerson to get a clean bill of health.
Vickerson has started all 11 games for the Broncos this season, providing them with a solid presence on the interior of the defensive line along with Terrance Knighton. He had his first sack of the season on Sunday night, dropping Tom Brady and then doing a little dancing before winding up in the trainer’s room.
Mitch Unrein and first-round pick Sylvester Williams are in-house options to replace Vickerson in the lineup.