When Broncos linebacker Shane Ray sustained a high ankle sprain in Week 6 against the Los Angeles Rams, it was Shaq Barrett’s time to assume a larger pass-rushing responsibility.
The roles are now reversed. Barrett’s hip flexor injury will keep him out of at least Sunday’s game at Cincinnati. Enter Ray, who has one sack and nine tackles this year.
“We’re prepared,” Ray said after practice Wednesday. “When I went down, as bad as it was, Shaq said, ‘I’m going to go in and make plays.’ (Now ) I have go in and make plays and do what I need to do to help the team and help myself.”
Help the team: The Broncos are 5-6 and count on their reserve pass rushers to sub in for Von Miller and Bradley Chubb and also play third-down as a part of their speed package.
Help himself: Ray is scheduled to be a free agent in March and a strong finish, production- and health-wise, would help his market value.
Ray missed the Arizona game and the second Kansas City game. He returned against the Texans in Week 10 but admittedly wasn’t at full strength.
“The Texans game was my first time back and I was kind of slow out there and it was still painful to play,” Ray said. “The next game (Week 11 at the Chargers), I was good and me and Shaq were rolling and flying around. Now it’s a little lingering but nothing crazy.”
Injury report. Barrett and cornerback Tramaine Brock (rib) did not practice.
Linebacker Brandon Marshall (knee) was a limited participant, his first work since he was shut down in the Week 8 loss at Kansas City. Marshall did side-field work two weeks ago, but that did not go well.
“It felt pretty good,” Marshall said. “It still hurts, but it’s better than it was when I had to stop playing.”
Asked if he could play on Sunday, Marshall said: “I think so. That’s my goal and that’s my plan so we’ll see what the coaches’ plan is for me.”
5-6 to playoffs. Twenty of the league’s 32 teams enter Week 13 in playoff position or one game out.
Since 2004, 12 teams with a losing record through 11 games have advanced to the playoffs. The Broncos and Cincinnati are 5-6.
From 2012-16, one team each year had a losing record after 11 games and made the playoffs: Redskins (2012/5-6 and 2015/5-6), Chargers (2013/5-6), Panthers (2014/3-7-1) and Packers (2016/5-6).
Per www.makeNFLplayoffs.com, the Broncos have a 9.2 percent chance of making the playoffs; if they win their remaining five games, they have a 95 percent chance.
Skipper back home. Offensive lineman Dan Skipper went through his first workout after being signed to the practice squad Tuesday.
Skipper grew up in Arvada and attended Ralston Valley High School before going to college at Arkansas.
While waiting for his next NFL chance, Skipper was living with his in-laws in Dallas and working at their pie shop.
“Thanksgiving Week was a lot of fun,” said Skipper, who added he doesn’t have a favorite flavor. “None at this point. You start making them 100 at a time and you say, ‘I’m going to eat some fruit.’”
Skipper worked out for the New York Giants earlier this month and was in Washington for a tryout when the Broncos called.
“There are no bad jobs in the NFL so any chance you can get is a good opportunity,” he said.
Footnotes. During his weekly appearance on team broadcast partner Orange & Blue 760, general manager John Elway said injured tight end Jeff Heuerman (ribs/lung) is “high on the list,” to re-sign. “Jeff had a really good year and we like what (he’s) about and we would love to have him back next year,” Elway said. “He’s had issues with some injuries so that’s the key thing.” … Forty Broncos players have specially-designed shoes for Weeks 13-15 as a part of the league’s “My Cause, My Cleats,” program, which allows players to showcase their charitable causes. Fans may bid on select game-issued player cleats (www.NFLAuction.NFL.com) and 100 percent of the funds go to the player’s selected charity.
