Broncos right tackle Ja’Wuan James suffered a knee sprain against the Raiders in Week 1 and has been inactive for the team’s last six games. James might be on track to return to the starting lineup for a Week 8 showdown with the Colts.
“Ja’Wuan, if we had had a normal week, probably could have played [Thursday] night, but he didn’t feel comfortable nor did I of putting him out there without practice time,” coach Vic Fangio said Friday. “He hadn’t had enough quality practice time and he’d been out six weeks.
“I think it’s always a coach’s duty to not put a player out there that’s not ready. He’s cleared medically, but there’s another part of the equation when it comes to recovery and rehab. I don’t think he had completed that part yet.”
After playing on “Thursday Night Football” in Week 7, Denver had a mini bye week, giving James more time to get up to speed.
Elijah Wilkinson has been starting in James’ place and has allowed five sacks in six games, according to STATS LLC. It wouldn’t be surprising to see James take back the starting job for the Broncos’ trip to Indy.
