Injury Report: 'Looking more and more' like CB Bryce Callahan could be placed on IR

[Miles]

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Cornerback Bryce Callahan (foot) is not expected to practice Thursday and the 2019 free-agent acquisition could be placed on injured reserve as early as this week, according to Head Coach Vic Fangio.


“It’s looking more and more like he’ll go to IR at some point unless we have a change here,” Fangio said Thursday.


Fangio added the Broncos could “possibly” move Callahan to IR if they move wide receiver Tim Patrick to the active roster ahead of Sunday’s game.


Callahan practiced Tuesday for the first time since before the Broncos’ Week 3 game against the Packers. On Sept. 25, Callahan underwent a non-surgical procedure to treat his foot injury.


Callahan initially injured his foot in Week 14 of the 2018 season while with the Bears. He underwent offseason surgery and returned to the practice field for the Broncos this offseason. Then, during a July 27 practice, a teammate stepped on Callahan’s foot and reaggravated the injury.


The fifth-year player participated in practice on only a limited basis for the remainder of training camp and did not play in any of the Broncos’ preseason games. Callahan has also not participated in any of the Broncos’ nine regular-season games this year.


Now, it’s possible that Callahan’s first season in Denver could end without him taking an in-game snap.


The Broncos also may be without tight end Jeff Heuerman and tackle Ja’Wuan James against the Vikings. Both players are recovering from knee injuries and looked “just so-so” as limited participants in Thursday’s practice, Fangio said.


“It’s 50-50 or less that they’ll go this week,” Fangio said.


James has played in just two games this season. After being knocked out of the Broncos’ Week 1 game against the Raiders, he returned in Week 8 against the Colts. James, though, reaggravated his knee injury during the first half and then missed the Broncos’ Week 9 game.


Heuerman also missed the Broncos’ Week 9 game after suffering his injury against the Colts, as well.


Safety Will Parks, though, is expected to make his return from a hand injury this week against the Vikings.


Parks has worn a protective cast on his hand during practice this week, but Fangio thinks he can still be effective.


“I’ve had guys play with it before, but it was the whole thing, and that never worked out good,” Fangio said. “His is more just the thumb and [the bottom of his hand], so we’re hopeful that it won’t affect him too much. But to say it won’t affect him at all would be a false statement.”


UPDATE [5:18 p.m. MT]: Wide receiver DaeSean Hamilton (knee) was added to the Broncos' injury report as a limited participant for Thursday's practice.