The Denver Brnocos are on the verge of clinching the division and the best record in the AFC, but they need to win their next two games in order to be sure that happens, and it would really help them if Wes Welker, who has been out due to a concussion since December 8, was cleared by the medical staff to comeback.
Welker is out since the 51-28 win over the Titans two weeks ago, keeping him out in the loss against the San Diego Chargers last week. It was his second concussion of the season, suffering one against the Chiefs when the Broncos beat them on November 17.
So with Welker not practicing, Andre Caldwell will probably be listed as the number 3 receiver for the Broncos as they head on the road to play the Houston Texans, currently a team looking for its first win since week 2. Caldwell was quite active in the loss to the Chargers, catching 6 passes for 59 yards and two touchdowns, pretty much doubling his production during the entire season prior to that game.
The defense, which has taken a lot of criticism after the loss to San Diego, has its share of injured players as well. Cornerback Kayvon Webster is suffering from a fractured right thumb, which means he’ll miss the game against Houston but probably be fit enough to face the Raiders on the season finale.
Champ Bailey, who has played in only three games this season, might be ready to play in his fourth against the Texans, finally shaking off his foot injury. Defensive end Derek Wolfe is still only training with the team’s strength and conditioning staff, but they have kept him on the roster, showing there’s signs of optimism regarding his return in time for the postseason, while J.D. Walton was cut to make room for Jeremy Mincey.