Julius Thomas Injury: Denver Broncos TE fully expected to play
Denver Broncos tight end Julius Thomas (80) runs after a reception during the first half against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Denver Broncos star tight end Julius Thomas has been on an absolute tear this season, and he is especially dangerous in the red zone. Peyton Manning almost always looks for Orange Julius once the Broncos get inside the 20 yard-line, and Thomas has ten touchdown receptions under his belt this season to prove that he usually gets the job done in that critical portion of the field. Thomas’s talent, athleticism, versatility, uncanny speed for the position, and propensity for hauling in TD passes make him a big part of the Broncos offense, one of the league’s best tight ends, and a must-start in fantasy football whenever he plays.
Sadly for fantasy owners, Thomas didn’t play in either of the Broncos last two games against the New England Patriots or Kansas City Chiefs due to a knee injury. In both cases, we tentatively expected Thomas to play, but gameday reports refuted our expectations and Thomas was ruled inactive. The Broncos chose to play things cautiously with Thomas’s knee, and the sheer talent at wide receiver allowed them to do this (plus, the Broncos are deep at TE).
But it’s clear that Thomas is ready to play this week and is just about fully healthy, and the Broncos offense will definitely be better for it. FOX Sports’s Jay Glazer reports that Julius Thomas is “expected to go” for today’s 4:05 p.m. ET game against the Tennessee Titans. Jason McCourty and Alterraun Verner form one of the league’s best cornerback tandems, but Thomas and Wes Welker could take advantage of very spotty coverage in the middle of the field. Thomas is returning just in the nick of time, and he could have a huge game since he is rested and has a favorable matchup.