‘Good vibes’ on second opinion for Broncos CB Talib’s back

The phrase “second opinion” is not something Denver Broncos fans want to hear.

Cornerback Aqib Talib missed practice Thursday to get a second opinion on a back issue that held him out of Sunday’s tilt with the San Diego Chargers. And we now wait for the results of the testing to see if Talib is going to be available this week.

Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak said after practice Thursday that the team sent Talib to California for the second opinion and the defensive back would be further evaluated when he returned.

“We spoke to the people in California, and we’ll see where we’re at (Friday). But it’s a day-to-day situation, and we just thought it would be best to get another opinion on it,” Kubiak said.

Talib missed Week 8 game against the Chargers, and he’s considered questionable for this week’s contest on the road against the Oakland Raiders.

According to Kubiak, there are reasons for optimism regarding Talib and this back problem.

“We’ll see where we’re at tomorrow, and actually I have good vibes from what ‘Greek’ (head athletic trainer Steve Antonopulos) told me on the field from the visit. But I know that there are some people that have to get together and talk this through and make sure we exactly know where he’s at.” Kubiak said.

A day-to-day injury sounds less serious than something classified as week-to-week, so Talib may be closer to returning than some people think.

Dr. Jene Bramel, of Footballguys.com, said getting a second opinion on a back injury typically means it’s on the serious end of things, but he believes it’s likely we’ll know more about Talib soon.

“A second opinion for any back condition is a concern. Generally, you don’t get a second opinion for something like back spasms. The longer this goes for Talib, the more of a concern it is. I think you’ll have a better sense of his injury in a week or so.” Bramel said.

The Broncos are facing a strong duo of wide receivers this week in Oakland. Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree are a handful for any opponent to contain.

Having Talib ready to play in this important divisional game would help, but if not the team will once again turn to Bradley Roby.

In his first start of the season, Roby totaled seven tackles, two passes defensed and an interception returned for a touchdown against the Chargers. His 49-yard pick-six in the second quarter gave Denver a 10-7 advantage and the Broncos would hold on to the lead for the rest of the game.

For his efforts, Roby was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week, marking the 32nd time a Broncos defensive player has earned the honor since the award was initiated by the NFL in 1984.

Even if they are without Talib, the Broncos have the depth to continue to play at a high level in the secondary.

As All-Pro linebacker Von Miller said on Thursday, “It’s still the No Fly Zone.”