Broncos get bad news and good news on health of inside linebackers

The Broncos got some good news for their inside-linebacker corps, just as they absorbed another injury blow to Dre Greenlaw.

Sixth-year veteran Justin Strnad was listed with full participation on the simulated injury report Monday, eight days after being helped off the field in the first quarter of the Dec. 14 win over the Green Bay Packers and being unable to put weight on his right leg.

Strnad’s potential return for Thursday night’s game in Kansas City after missing Sunday’s 34-20 defeat to the Jacksonville Jaguars would come not a moment too soon, as Greenlaw suffered a hamstring injury in the final moments of the Broncos’ first defeat since Week 3.

Greenlaw pulled up in pursuit as he neared the Broncos’ sideline and was quickly ruled out for the remainder of the contest.

His injury is of understandable concern given the quadriceps issues with which he grappled earlier this year. Greenlaw suffered a quad strain during an April workout, then aggravated the injury during the July 31 training-camp practice. He returned to on-field work three weeks later, but was not ready for the start of the regular season and eventually landed on injured reserve.

Greenlaw did not make his game-action debut until Week 7 against the New York Giants, then missed the Week 8 contest against the Dallas Cowboys due to a league suspension after an on-field incident with referee Brad Allen during the celebratory hubbub after Wil Lutz’s game-winning field goal.

In eight games this season, Greenlaw has 43 total tackles, one sack, one interception, two passes defensed and two tackles for losses.

THREE OTHER BRONCOS LISTED AS NOT PRACTICING

Joining Greenlaw on the list of players with “DNP” designations on the simulated injury report were tight end Nate Adkins, wide receiver Pat Bryant and center Luke Wattenberg.

Adkins suffered a knee injury Sunday in his second outing back after missing five games due to a knee injury suffered in the fourth quarter of the Oct. 26 win over the Dallas Cowboys.

If Adkins is unavailable on Christmas night, the Broncos may have to promote 41-year-old Marcedes Lewis back to the 53-player roster, as he has reached his limit of three practice-squad elevations.

Bryant suffered a concussion late in Sunday’s loss on a frightening collision that left him strapped down on a backboard and sent him to a local hospital for evaluation. He was treated and released later Sunday evening.

Wattenberg landed on last week’s injury report due to a an ankle issue, but was listed with full participation for each day of last week’s work.

Despite the shoulder injury, he did not miss a snap in Sunday’s defeat and has played every offensive snap this season.

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