What at first appeared to be very bad news for Broncos receiver Eric Decker (a suspected torn ACL) ended up being not-so-bad news (a mildly torn/sprained MCL). But good news has yet to come for the Broncos as they prepare for a date with the Patriots in the divisional playoffs.
Decker didn’t practice Wednesday, along with safety Brian Dawkins (neck) and long snapper Lonnie Paxton (not injury related).
The injury to Decker’s knee came when Steelers linebacker James Harrison hit Decker low after catching a pass. Though not an illegal play, plenty of players would prefer not to place their careers at risk via hits to the knee.
Limited in practice were safety David Bruton (Achilles’ tendon), defensive end Elvis Dumervil (ankle), and tight end Daniel Fells (ankle). Linebacker Von Miller (thumb) fully participated in practice.
For the Patriots, only defensive tackle Kyle Love didn’t practice, under the “not injury related” label. Practicing on a limited basis were 15 players: safety Kyle Arrington (foot), safety Patrick Chung (foot), guard Dan Connolly (groin), receiver Julian Edelman (back), linebacker Dane Fletcher (thumb), safety James Ihedigbo (shoulder), tackle Matt Light (ankle), guard Logan Mankins (knee), cornerback Devin McCourty (shoulder), linebacker Rob Ninkovich (hip), receiver Matt Slater (shoulder), linebacker Brandon Spikes (knee), tackle Sebastian Vollmer (back, foot), receiver Wes Welker (knee), and linebacker Tracy White (abdomen).
Quarterback Tom Brady fully practiced with a left shoulder injury.
The Pats host the Broncos on Saturday night at 8:00 p.m. ET.