Broncos' offensive line banged up, too

ENGLEWOOD • For most of the year, the Denver Broncos' offensive line escaped the injuries that plagued the rest of the team.

That changed Sunday when two starters went down.

Left tackle Ryan Clady (ankle) and right guard Chris Kuper (hand) were held out of practice Wednesday. Coach Mike Shanahan said he hoped that Clady would be able to practice later this week.

"If he doesn't, then he won't be able to play," Shanahan said. "We will find out. He couldn't practice today because he is still quite sore. Hopefully, it heals up before game time."

Kuper has a broken bone in his left hand but said he plans to play Sunday against Buffalo. If he does play, he will be wearing a cast. He played with a club cast on his broken right hand in training camp.

Cornerback Champ Bailey, who has missed seven games because of a groin injury, did more in Wednesday's practice than he could do last week.

"It looks closer this week than it did last week," Bailey said.

Receiver Brandon Stokley was held out of practice because of a foot injury. He said he expects to play Sunday. Safety Vernon Fox also missed practice because of a concussion.

Playing starters
Although Shanahan wouldn't specifically lay out a plan for Week 17, if the Broncos have clinched a playoff spot, he hinted that starters still will play against San Diego.

"We are going to play to win all of our games regardless of what the scenario is," Shanahan said.

Edwards closer
Bills quarterback Trent Edwards, who has missed two games because of a groin injury, was limited in Wednesday's practice, but said he will start against the Broncos.

If he can't play, Bills coach Dick Jauron said Gibran Hamdan, whose only two NFL passes came five years ago with Washington, would get the start.

J.P. Losman started the past two games in Edwards' place, but was demoted to third string.

Roster move
Denver re-signed safety Herana-Daze Jones, who takes the spot of running back Cory Boyd. After being promoted from the practice squad last week, Boyd was waived and signed back to the practice squad. Running back Steve Baylark was released.