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Emmanuel Sanders is listed as questionable but is likely to start Sunday against the Chicago Bears. Head coach Gary Kubiak said he expects his wide receiver to be a “full go” despite dealing with an ankle and finger injury, according to The Denver Post.
Peyton Manning won’t be starting at quarterback for the Broncos because of various injuries, including a slightly torn plantar fascia on his right foot. This means that Brock Osweiler will get the first start of his career and will need a healthy Sanders to make life easier for him against an improving Bears team that has won two games in a row.
Sanders was limited in action with the same injuries this past Sunday during the blowout loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The wide out left the game early due to a concussion. He passed all protocols and now is focusing more on his current injuries. He’s been able to practice albeit on a limited basis, which makes it tough for him and Osweiler to build up a report and gain some chemistry with his possible target.
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Sanders did run some routes and did some individual drills. Osweiler came off the bench Sunday and passed for 146 yards with a touchdown and an interception. It’s his fourth NFL season but it will be the first start of his career. This might not be a one-and-done situation because it is unclear how long Manning will be out of action.
Chicago is 4-5 and back in the race for the playoffs, which will make what seemed like it would have been an easy win for Denver into a tough battle on the road. It will also be the first time that John Fox coaches against his former team. Fox coached the Broncos to the Super Bowl three seasons ago and four straight playoff appearances.
The Broncos still hold a comfortable lead in the AFC West by three games over both the Chiefs and the Oakland Raiders. The reason Denver is 7-2 wasn’t cause of Manning, but because it has the top ranked defense in the entire NFL. It will have to help out a young Osweiler much like it had to help out a struggling Manning.
If Osweiler can somehow adapt to the offense with ease, there’s a chance he might not have to give the starting job back to the future hall of famer. Sanders will make things easier for Osweiler with his 46 receptions, 639 yards and four TDs this season.
