Denver Broncos Injury Report: Shaquil Barrett to start for injured DeMarcus Ware

For the second straight week, the Denver Broncos will be without rookie left tackle Ty Sambrailo, which given the poor play of the offensive line, might not be an issue. The real issue will be heading into Cleveland without the services of veteran defensive end, DaMarcus Ware.

Both Ware and Sambrailo will be out for Sundays 11 a.m. MDT start against the Browns, who are coming off a surprisingly dominant performance in a win over the Baltimore Ravens. Sambrailo is still nursing a shoulder injury sustained three weeks ago in Detroit, while Ware injured his lower back early into last week’s defensive slug-fest in Oakland. Ryan Harris will shift from right to left tackle to replace the injured Sambrailo, while Michael Schofield will see the field at right tackle.

With Ware watching from the sideline, the Broncos will start second year linebacker and Colorado State University standout, Shaquil Barrett.

“Barrett will start yeah. They’re all going to play, but he will be the starter if DeMarcus doesn’t play.” Head Coach Gary Kubiak stated about starting Barrett. “He’s a great example of if you do it, you won’t come out. He had a good offseason, a good training camp and all of the sudden when it came to game time, he just kept making plays. He’s earned the right to be out there, play more and contribute.”

Barrett has by no means been a slouch this season — rated the No. 12 OLB by Pro Football Reference so far into the season —  accumulating 13 tackles, two sacks, and two forced fumbles. Kubiak explained on the radio this morning Ware and Von Miller should be given credit for Barrett’s growth, which the second-year pro said himself in training camp.

Some notable players are questionable for this Sunday’s early matchup as well, including: Cornerback Aqib Talib and wide receiver Demaryius Thomas, who both practiced today but to a limited extent. “His neck has been sore. My expectations are that he’ll be ready to go,” Kubiak said of Thomas. We’ll see where he is tomorrow, but we’re just trying to be smart with him this week and get him back to feeling good.”

Quarterback Peyton Manning, tight end Owen Daniels, and right guard Louis Vasquez all got Wednesday off for “non-football injuries” which is the Broncos nice way of saying “old guy day off.” They will all suit up for the orange and blue this Sunday morning after participating in full practices Thursday and Friday.

These are not the Browns of old; this will be a tough match-up for Manning lead squad. Then, onto a much needed bye week.

Notable: The Cleveland Browns will be without Pro Bowl defensive backs Tashaun Gibson and Joe Haden.