The Denver Broncos will return to Mile High Stadium on Thursday night after romping the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday Night Football. They'll host the San Diego Chargers, who defeated them in Denver during the 2013 regular season.
But it'll be different this time around (except for the fact that it's a Thursday night game). The Chargers will be missing starting running back Ryan Mathews (knee) for the sixth straight week, cornerback Brandon Flowers (concussion), linebacker Manti Te'o (foot) and backup running back Donald Brown (concussion). Luckily for the backfield, rookie RB Branden Oliver stepped up and has been able to carry the load.
San Diego may also be facing depth issues at the cornerback position with Flowers out and Jason Verrett (shoulder) and Steven Williams (groin) listed as questionable for tonight. Additionally, backup linebacker Jeremiah Attaochu (hamstring) is doubtful, which further puts the defensive depth in question. However, these injuries are no surprise to the Chargers, who have been dealing with many of these issues for weeks.
Right tackle D.J. Fluker (ankle), guard Rich Ohrnberger (back), linebacker Dwight Freeney (knee) and linebacker Kavell Conner (ankle) are listed as probable and are expected to play.
In Week 15 of the 2013 season on Thursday night, the Chargers defeated the Broncos in Denver by the score of 27-20. Mathews torched the Broncos defense for 127 yards and a touchdown on 29 carries, so if the Chargers are looking to do that again, they'll need to look to Oliver. Philip Rivers and the offense held the ball for over 38 minutes in that game, which will likely be part of their plan this time around.
As for Denver, the offense will be missing running back Montee Ball for the third straight week because of a groin injury. He returned to practice on Tuesday, but isn't ready for action. He participated in pre-practice stretching with the team and then went to work with the strength and conditioning coaches, according to Jeff Logwold of ESPN. They'll continue using Ronnie Hillman as the No. 1 back until Ball can return.
Besides kicker Brandon McManus (probable with a groin injury) and backup running back Juwan Thompson (probably with a knee injury), the rest of those on the injury report are defensive players. Backup cornerback Omar Bolden (concussion) is out and backup linebacker Steven Johnson (ankle) is questionable for tonight. Cornerback Chris Harris (knee), safety T.J. Ward (knee) and backup safety Quinton Carter (hamstring) are all probable.
Tune in to CBS tonight at 8:00 p.m. for coverage of tonight's matchup between the Broncos and Chargers.