The Denver Broncos already are without All-Pro pass rusher Von Miller for Thursday night's NFL season opener versus the Baltimore Ravens. They also could be missing 12-time Pro Bowl selection Champ Bailey.
Although Bailey has shed his crutches and walking boot since spraining his foot, he was held out of Monday's practice. The Broncos don't expect to make a decision on Bailey's playing status until Thursday, according to Lindsay Jones of USA Today.
"It's my feet, so I have to make sure I'm making a smart decision," Bailey told Jones. "There is a fine line there. You don't want to risk it getting worse, but I definitely don't want to miss any games, either."
Bailey doesn't lack any motivation after Torrey Smith burned him for 98 yards and two touchdowns in the Broncos' home playoff loss. Standing in the way of a rematch, though, are the sharp pains that Bailey occasionally feels in the base of his foot.
If Bailey is forced to wait another week, defensive backs Chris Harris and Tony Carter will pick up extra snaps. Both players fared well last season but will face more time "on the island" Thursday with Miller out of the lineup and fellow 2012 edge rusher Elvis Dumervil now on the opposing sideline.
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