NFL injury roundup: Manning, Welker back at practice; Peterson ready for Week 12

The Broncos’ offense may be operating at full strength this weekend against Patriots. Adrian Peterson won’t be 100 percent, but he says he’ll be suiting up anyway against the Packers.

by Louis Bien

Nov 21, 2013, 10:38 PM UTC

Justin Edmonds

The Denver Broncos' offense received great news Thursday. Peyton Manning, Wes Welker and Julius Thomas were all on the practice field after being held out Wednesday due to various ailments. The news suggests that all three may be able to suit up Sunday night against the New England Patriots, though Welker and Thomas may still have a ways to go.

Welker in particular. The wideout still has to pass NFL-mandated protocol after suffering a concussion last week against the Kansas City Chiefs. Thomas is currently day-to-day with a knee strain, also putting his Week 12 status in jeopardy. He reportedly looked limited Thursday.

As for Manning, he is still dealing with the nagging effects of a Week 10 ankle sprain. He played plenty well against the Chiefs, however, and should not be considered in any danger of sitting against the Pats.

Adrian Peterson says he’s ready to play

Adrian Peterson says he's ready to play despite a groin injury that slowed him down during the Minnesota Vikings' loss to the Seattle Seahawks last Sunday. He didn't sound like he was 100 percent speaking with USA Today, but there is little reason to doubt that Peterson will suit up against the Green Bay Packers.

“I’m going to try to get my rest that I need,” said the five-time Pro Bowler. “I’m probably going to do it this week (in practice). Just push it to Sunday.”

Peterson has yet to miss time, and was able to play through a bruised hamstring earlier this season. Whether he can be productive through the injuries and muddy quarterback situation is another question.

Randall Cobb still unsure if he’ll return

Randall Cobb is sitting on injured reserve, designated to return for the Packers, but the wideout is still unsure whether he will suit up again this season. Cobb has been dealing with a leg injury since October. He told the Green Bay Press-Gazette that does not know his timetable for return.

“I can’t make that call right now,” Cobb said when asked if he is certain he will play again this season. “Right now, today, I cannot play. I’m doing everything I can. I’m working my butt off in the rehab process. This is something that it needs time. It’s getting better. There’s still no timeline on when I can come back.”

Cobb is eligible to come off injured reserve on Dec. 10, which would make him available for the Packers’ final three games of the regular season. He emphasized that the date was the earliest he could return, however, and that his recovery may extend further into the the season.

Gauging Cobb’s recovery time has been difficult due to the lack of information available as to what the injury actually is. Cobb would not delve into specifics, except to say that he is dealing with a broken bone.

Darren McFadden misses practice Thursday

Darren McFadden appears to be on track to miss a third straight game. The Oakland Raiders running back was held out of practice Thursday, according to Scott Bair of CSN Bay Area, marking his eighth-straight recorded missed practice. McFadden has missed the Raiders' last two games due to a hamstring injury.

If McFadden is ruled out Friday, expect Rashad Jennings to start once again for the Raiders. Jennings has been very productive in McFadden's stead. Last week, he had 150 yards rushing and one touchdown on 22 carries against the Houston Texans.

Tarell Brown expected to return this season

San Francisco 49ers cornerback Tarell Brown is expected to return for the San Francisco 49ers this season. He suffered a seemingly serious ribs injury against the New Orleans Saints this past weekend, and is expected to miss Monday night's game against the Washington Redskins, but head coach Jim Harbaugh confirmed that Brown should return at some point. No timetable was given, however.

Brown's streak of 47 consecutive starts appears to be at an end. He did not have an interception in 10 games this season, but he did record nine passes defended. In Brown's stead, the 49ers will turn to Tramaine Brock and Eric Wright for extended playing time.