Broncos release final injury report for Week 3 vs. Packers

Will the Broncos be closer to full strength for their Week 3 trip to take on Green Bay?

Barring an unforeseen setback, the Denver Broncos are poised to get back their top inside linebacker in Week 3. 

“It’s looking that way, yes,” head coach Vic Fangio said on Friday. 

Todd Davis was a full participant during all three practice days for the Broncos, which was a first since he suffered a calf injury on day one of training camp back on July 18. 

With the Broncos' rushing defense relinquishing 125.5 yards per game, Davis' return couldn't be more opportune, especially with the team traveling to Lambeau Field to take on the Green Bay Packers. 

The Broncos have never won at Lambeau and if they're going to do so this week, they'll need all hands on deck. So what about cornerback Bryce Callahan, who, like Davis, has been held out for the first two weeks of the season? 

"Callahan [is] questionable," Coach Fangio said. 

Two questionable, three out on Broncos' injury report

The stars don't appear to be aligning for a Callahan return this week, as he is still dealing with a lot of pain in that foot. The Broncos could really use him this week, though, with Aaron Rodgers on the docket. 

Callahan played each of his first four years in the NFL in Chicago, going against Rodgers twice per season. As an expert in Fangio's zone-based defensive scheme, and with his knowledge of Rodgers, Callahan's presence on the field would be invaluable. But I wouldn't get my hopes up. 

Unlike Davis, the Broncos haven't been able to increase Callahan's workload on the practice field yet, and it mostly comes down to the pain and discomfort he's still feeling in that foot. 

“Yeah, that’s a big part of it, yes,' Fangio said, pointing to the pain Callahan's still experiencing.

Meanwhile, the Broncos will be without starting right tackle Ja'Wuan James a while yet. However, the good news is, James is progressing, though he's unlikely to be available for the Broncos for some time yet. Coach Fangio was reluctant to reveal any timetable on James, saying that for now, there is none. 

“No, but he has not had any setbacks,” Fangio said.

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That's good. But it's cold comfort to O-line Coach Mike Munchak, who, like the little Dutch boy with his finger in the dike, is tasked with willing Garett Bolles away from shooting himself and the Broncos' offense in the foot with discipline lapses and penalties on the field. Only Munchak stands between the Broncos' offense and utter ruin. 

It sucks to put that onus on Munchak but unless and until this team on an institutional level is ready to bench Bolles, that's the burden the Hall-of-Fame coach will have to shoulder. 

Some fans hoped that fullback Andy Janovich and linebacker Joe Jones might be available to go this week vs. the Packers, but it's not in the cards. Both have already been ruled out. 

Lastly, after suddenly appearing on the injury report on Thursday with a rib issue, wideout Courtland Sutton practiced on Friday. Coach Fangio gave us some context to the injury. 

“He got a little discomfort yesterday after getting one of his weekly lifts in," Fangio said. "We were cautious with it and luckily he’s fine.”

Sutton took a couple of gnarly shots from the Chicago Bears secondary last week but the culprit for the ribs turned out to be the weight room, not an opponent. 

The Broncos are close to full strength heading into Lambeau. But without two starters (James and Callahan), Fangio and company will have to find a way to make some hay while the sun is still shining. 

Meanwhile, a glance over the Packers' injury report reveals a veritable walking wounded. Don't let the number of players listed fool you, though. 

Head coach Matt LaFleur is known for putting guys on the report that other coaches might not list. Look at all those names listed who practiced in full all week. 

Four questionable, one doubtful, two out on Packers' injury report. 

The Broncos will kick off vs. the Packers Sunday morning at 11 am MDT. 

 Follow Chad on Twitter @ChadNJensen and @MileHighHuddle.