ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Broncos top tackler Brandon Marshall says he expects to play Sunday night at Kansas City after clearing concussion protocol and practicing in full Friday.
"It should be normal," said Marshall, Denver’s versatile linebacker who leads the team with 92 tackles.
Marshall was knocked out of last week’s win over the Dolphins when he ran into 6-foot-4, 265-pound tight end Dion Simms on T.J. Ward’s interception return in the fourth quarter.
"I hit him with the side of my helmet and then that’s all she wrote," Marshall said. "I remember everything. I was just dizzy. I couldn’t stand up. I tried to run and I fell twice."
Simms was unfazed while Marshall was wobbly.
"He’s like 270," Marshall marveled. "I didn’t think he was that big. I hit him and just like shrugged it off. I’m like, ‘Damn.’ I knew he was big but I didn’t know he was that solid like that. It didn’t faze him, which was disappointing to me."
Nonetheless, Marshall said as far as concussions go, this one wasn’t severe. He said he was confident he’d be cleared to play this week "because honestly, it wasn’t that bad. Right after the game I could drive. So, I was good to go."
Marshall said he was dizzy for a couple of minutes but didn’t have any memory loss or headaches and had no problems during the week.
Marshall’s quick return to action is a stroke of luck for the Broncos, who have two linebackers on IR in Danny Trevathan (who returns next month) and Nate Irving.
Also, the Chiefs’ strength is up the middle with running back Jamaal Charles, who is averaging better than 5 yards a carry and is third on the team in receptions with 26. He has eight rushing touchdowns and three TD catches.
"We’ll take every healthy guy we can," Broncos defensive co-ordinator Jack Del Rio said.
Del Rio was preparing a bevy of backups, including rookies Lamin Barrow and Corey Nelson, and newcomer Todd Davis for action this weekend.
"Brandon has stepped in for Danny (Trevathan) and done a nice job for us," Del Rio said. "We’re preparing the other guys in case we have another pop up right in the middle of the game. So, you continue to work your backup guys. But him getting cleared is a good sign for us."
Marshall said he’s relieved he won’t have to miss the AFC West showdown with the Chiefs (7-4), who trail the Broncos by a game in the division race.
"It’s a big game. Everyone wants to play in this game. This is the biggest game of our season so far. And I’m just glad the concussion wasn’t too bad," Marshall said. "I came back, I’ve been studying all week .Even though I haven’t been practicing, I’ve been paying attention. So, I’m just glad to be back out there."
Charles was knocked from Kansas City’s game at Denver in Week 2 with an ankle injury. In Denver’s 24-17 win over Kansas City in September, Charles had just two carries for 4 yards and one catch for 8 before getting hurt. Backup Knile Davis ran 22 times for 79 yards and two touchdowns, but the Chiefs sorely missed Charles on their two drives that stalled after getting inside Denver’s 5-yard line.
"He presents a tremendous challenge. He’s one of the best backs in the league. He’s a very versatile back," Marshall said. "He can catch, he can run, he can make you miss. He can run inside the tackles, he can run outside the tackles. The guy is an incredible talent, we’re going to have our hands full this week. But we’ve got a good plan. We’ve got a good, tight plan and we’ll get things done."
Marshall is officially listed as probable. Aqib Talib (hamstring) is 50-50. Three players are out: Kayvon Webster (shoulder), Ronnie Hillman (foot) and Montee Ball (groin).
