Broncos notes: Injury uncertainty

ENGLEWOOD – Quarterback Kyle Orton said his injured ankle feels better and he shouldn’t be limited Thursday. Safety Brian Dawkins also said he felt good, but his status seems much more in doubt for the Denver Broncos’ Thanksgiving game against the Giants.

Dawkins hurt his neck in the first half and sat the rest of the game. Rookie Darcel McBath took his place. He was tight-lipped when asked about the injury at his weekly press conference, and didn’t shed much light on his chances of playing this week.

“We’ll see,” Dawkins said. “That’s the plan.”

“’Dawk’ is doing better, and he’s doing everything he can do to be ready for Thursday,” coach Josh McDaniels said. “We’ll monitor that situation. We don’t have an answer for what’s going to happen on Thursday.”

Orton played through an injured left ankle Sunday, coming off the bench to throw for 171 yards in a little more than a half. He said after the game that he had no question he would be ready to play against the Giants. He was still upbeat at his weekly press conference.

“Feeling good, feeling better,” Orton said. “Should be ready to roll.”

The Broncos will wait to determine the status of offensive tackle Ryan Harris, who has missed three straight games with a toe injury. Although the Broncos said Monday he would not have been able to participate if the team had a practice, he has not been ruled out.

“We’re not declaring him out at all,” McDaniels said. “Certainly not declaring him out.”

McDaniels also said offensive tackle Ryan Harris (toe) has not been ruled out of Thursday’s game. Running back LaMont Jordan (back) didn’t participate.

Pregame talk
McDaniels said he has moved on from some pregame verbal sparring with the San Diego Chargers, saying he had no comment on it. The San Diego Union-Tribune reported that McDaniels told Chargers linebackers “We own you,” before Sunday’s game.

Defensive end Vonnie Holliday hadn’t heard about McDaniels saying anything to the Chargers, but had no problem with it.

“Emotionally, he’s as charged as we are and as a player you love that in your coach,” Holliday said. “I’m sure it’s probably frowned upon or someone is going to say something bad about it, but as a player I wish I had seen it. It might have gotten us going a little more.”