Broncos in for a big chill

ENGLEWOOD • Usually, the Denver Broncos don't have to worry about mind-numbing, frigid temperatures.

Sunday's game against Buffalo won't be "Ice Bowl II," but it could be one of the colder games in team history. According to the Weather Channel, the high temperature for Sunday is supposed to be 24 degrees, but the predicted low is 16. Denver television meteorologists have predicted highs in the mid-teens and lows nearing zero degrees.

Only five times in club history has the recorded temperature for a home game dropped to less than 20 degrees. The Broncos have played only one home game at less than 18 degrees.

"It is more mental than it is physical," coach Mike Shanahan said. "If you say you hate the cold and you don't want to be out there, then it is miserable. If you say, ‘Hey, I am going to handle it better than the opposing team,' then the chances are you are going to handle it better than the opposing team."

Quarterback Jay Cutler was lauded for his play in cold, rainy conditions against the Jets on Nov. 30 in New York. He said he was able to block the bad weather out of his mind. That is a good trait for a quarterback whose home games are in Colorado, where blizzards and cold days are possible late in the season.

A few players said they won't wear sleeves despite Sunday's cold temperatures.

"After a while your arms go numb anyway so you don't even feel it after that," defensive tackle Kenny Peterson said.

"You never wear sleeves," tight end Daniel Graham said. "That shows a sign of intimidation."

Defensive end Ebenezer Ekuban said he doesn't care about the peer pressure - he's planning on wearing sleeves.

"I'm going to be warm," Ekuban said.

Aside from the debate about sleeves, there are physical challenges to playing in freezing weather. For kickers, cold weather games aren't fun. They have to focus on staying loose all game for the few times they get to kick. The footballs are cold and hard. Punter Brett Kern said he'll have extra padding in his right kicking shoe because the balls are so hard.

"You have something on the top so you don't bruise your bone," Kern said. "But it's a game, and you have to get ready for it during the week."

There are things players can do to stay warm. Those such as Ekuban who ignore the macho code of the NFL locker room can wear extra layers of clothes. Some use small, disposable hand warmers on the sideline or between plays. There are heaters on the sideline. The benches are heated as well. That helps, but eventually players have to go back on the field and into the elements.

"It's football, man," cornerback Dre Bly said. "Regardless of the conditions, regardless of the temperature, we still have to win the football game."

Clady, Kuper out again
The offensive line situation didn't improve much Thursday, when offensive tackle Ryan Clady (ankle) and guard Chris Kuper (hand) were held out of practice for a second straight day. Both players said Wednesday that they anticipated playing Sunday against Buffalo.

If Clady can't play, undrafted rookie Tyler Polumbus is the likely replacement. Polumbus has played almost exclusively on special teams. Rookie Kory Lichtensteiger likely would start at right guard if Kuper can't play. Lichtensteiger got his first playing time on the offensive line against Carolina after Kuper's injury and gave up a sack on his first play.