Julius Thomas Injury: Denver Broncos will make decision this morning
Denver Broncos wide receiver Julius Thomas (80) runs with the ball after making a catch during the first half against the Washington Redskins at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Denver Broncos star tight end Julius Thomas is going to be a game-time decision for tonight’s big game against the New England Patriots, and the only good sign at this point is that Thomas was able to make the trip to Foxboro. That doesn’t guarantee he’ll be playing, though, as there are concerns that the knee injury Thomas suffered in last week’s win over the Kansas City Chiefs (he caught three passes for 43 yards and a touchdown) is serious enough to cost him today’s game.
The NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that Thomas’s knee is “not looking good”, and the Broncos will have to test out his knee before the game. Per Rapoport, the Broncos will likely make a final decision on whether or not Julius Thomas plays today at some point this morning, so keep your eyes peeled for that.
If Thomas is able to play against the Patriots, then expect big things from him. The Patriots don’t really have anyone who can shut down a dynamic, versatile pass-catching tight end like Thomas, so Orange Julius could very well come away with a solid game and a touchdown despite not being 100%. Thomas’s knee injury is of legitimate concern, because ESPN Denver’s Cecil Lammey reported just about the same information yesterday regarding the concerns associated with Thomas’s status for today’s matchup.
Since it’s a big game and Thomas is a key player who made the trip, there’s been a healthy dose of optimism that he’ll be able to play. It’s a dicey, 50/50, up-in-the-air call, so all updates are notable. The Broncos play on Sunday Night Football, so fantasy owners need to have a contingency plan and should be aware that leaving Thomas in their starting lineup is very risky business.