The Broncos signed fullback Andrew Pinnock to replace Rogers. The Broncos were short at fullback because Peyton Hillis has been playing tailback and linebacker Spencer Larsen has been playing fullback.

PLAYER NOTES

--RB Peyton Hillis could benefit from the Broncos signing fullback Andrew Pinnock. Hillis had been lining up at fullback and blocking for Tatum Bell in two-back sets because the Broncos had few options at fullback. As soon as Pinnock can play, the Broncos could keep Hillis at tailback full time.

--CB Josh Bell has played as well as could be expected as a starter the past two games, while Champ Bailey is out with a groin injury. Bell is ahead of Karl Paymah and Jack Williams now, so once Bailey returns he is likely to remain as the nickel cornerback.

--S Marquand Manuel is fourth on the Broncos in tackles but has lacked any big plays. He has no sacks, interceptions, forced fumbles or fumble recoveries this season.

--LB Spencer Larsen is the Broncos' top special teams tackler. He has nine; nobody else has more than six. Larsen is carving out a valuable niche for himself with his versatility.

--WR Eddie Royal's 30.3-yard average on kickoff returns would be a Broncos' single-season record. The Broncos won't take Royal off returns because of his ability, despite the increased risk of injury.

GAME PLAN: The Broncos can't expect to get much running up the middle against the Jets defense, anchored by nose tackle Kris Jenkins. The Titans gave big bruiser LenDale White only one carry against the Jets for good reason. The Broncos' top back is Peyton Hillis, who is going to get a majority of his carries between the tackles. Expect Denver to perhaps use Tatum Bell more to attack the perimeter, or just rely on the pass.

Defensively, the Broncos will have to match the Jets' power running game. They'll also have to beware of speedy Leon Washington. Somehow the Broncos have to get a pass rush and perhaps force Brett Favre into some mistakes.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH: Broncos C Casey Wiegmann vs. Jets NT Kris Jenkins. Jenkins weighs about 350 pounds, or 65 pounds more than Wiegmann. The Broncos' zone scheme tries to find cutback lanes but when the nose tackle gets penetration it disrupts their stretch plays. The Broncos have had some trouble against San Diego and their massive nose tackle Jamal Williams because Williams could get a push upfield.

Broncos CB Dre Bly vs. Jets WR Jerricho Cotchery. Assuming Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey returns this week, Bly will see a lot more passes thrown his way. If Bailey matches up with Laveranues Coles, that leaves Cotchery against Bly. The Jets would probably have no problem feeding Cotchery, who has 11 catches in his last two games.

INJURY IMPACT: WR Eddie Royal was out of practice Wednesday with a toe injury. There hasn't been any indication he will miss this week's game but he will probably have to return to practice in the next couple of days.

CB Champ Bailey is still limited in practice with a groin injury. He isn't 100 percent yet but the Broncos are hoping he is close to a return. If he doesn't practice in full this week he'll probably be a game-time decision again.

LB D.J. Williams returned to practice on a limited basis. He has missed three games with a knee injury. He'd probably have to make a good impression during the week for the Broncos to use him on Sunday.

LB Nate Webster practiced on a limited basis. Webster had a less severe knee sprain than fellow linebacker D.J. Williams and he could return this week if he looks good.

RB Selvin Young has still not gone through a full practice. He was limited again Wednesday. If he isn't a full participant this week he might miss another game.

S Marlon McCree dressed out for practice but was listed as a non-participant. Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said McCree probably won't play this week.