Russell Wilson sheds light on his shoulder injury and his status for Thursday Night Football

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Sunday was a tough day for the Broncos, to say the least.

Not only did Denver lose to the Raiders in Las Vegas, but they lost Javonte Williams for the season, Randy Gregory for at least the next month and Russell Wilson came away with an injury to his throwing shoulder.

“He got dinged up in the game and he’s just a little sore,” Nathaniel Hackett said on Monday, revealing the franchise quarterback’s injury for the first time. “We’re just going to be sure to take care of him and get him treatment throughout the week.”

A day after the game, Hackett was “looking for” Wilson to be able to play on Thursday Night Football against the Colts. Hackett maintained that same attitude on Tuesday, just over 48 hours before kickoff.

“That’s what we’re looking for right now,” Hackett said. “We’re just being smart with him.”

Unfortunately for Wilson’s sore throwing shoulder, the Broncos are working on a short week. But that doesn’t change his belief he’ll be able to play. No. 3 stated he was “super confident” he’ll play on Thursday.

“Doing good. Hanging in there,” Wilson said, when asked how his sore shoulder is doing. “I think you play a competitive game, you get banged up a couple of times here and there. But I’m excited. Obviously Thursday night, what a special time. What an opportunity for us.”

Despite being a limited participant during Tuesday’s walkthrough, Wilson said he will not have any limitations to his game. On Thursday night, according to Russ, he will truly be Mr. Unlimited.

If Russ does, in fact, play, that would not be a surprise considering the number of other injuries he’s played through in his career. Wilson played, and started, his first 149 games in the NFL. He didn’t miss a single game until last year, his 10th season in the NFL.

Even then, Wilson was back on the field weeks before the initial diagnosis indicated he would be.

On Thursday, Wilson and the Broncos will be looking to bounce back against the Colts after their 32-23 loss to the Raiders on Sunday. Although the team dropped to 2-2 on the season, and technically in third place in the AFC West, Wilson isn’t concerned with where the team stands.

“There’s a lot of teams that are 2-2. There are a handful of teams that are 3-1. We’re right in striking distance. We got them right where we want them,” Wilson stated on Thursday. “We got to go get it.”

Denver’s best chance at catching the teams ahead of them is with Wilson on the field Thursday night. So far, all indications point to No. 3 being on the field for another primetime game.