Broncos starting inside linebacker Todd Davis (calf) is listed as “doubtful” to play on this week’s injury report. Denver will likely have a backup linebacker start in Davis’ place against the Raiders on Monday.
Alexander Johnson is listed as Davis’ backup on the team’s depth chart but he won’t be the only linebacker asked to step up in Oakland.
“It will be a mix of him, Corey Nelson and the other guys,” Broncos coach Vic Fangio said Saturday. The “other guys” are Keishawn Bierria and Justin Hollins.
Nelson began his career in Denver and returned to the Broncos earlier this week after spending brief stints with the Eagles, Falcons and Buccaneers over the last two years.
“He’s done extremely well mentally which was a tall task for him,” Fangio said of Nelson coming in and picking up the defense. “Obviously, him already being in somebody else’s camp helped.
“He’s not having to get in football shape. He’s already there and he’s done a great job picking up the system.”
Monday’s game (8:20 p.m. MT) will be nationally televised on ESPN.
