The injury will probably mean playing time for Nic Clemons, who has been inactive the past few weeks. Clemons impressed the team in training camp with his interior pass rush ability.

PLAYER NOTES

--RB Peyton Hillis will be the starting tailback this week, Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said. Selvin Young could return from a groin injury but Hillis has been very effective as a lead back.

--LB Mario Haggan could still see some time on defense this week. The Broncos don't know if Nate Webster can get through a full game in his return from a knee injury and Spencer Larsen will be playing offense, so Haggan will have to be ready.

--LB D.J. Williams has missed four games with a knee injury, yet still ranks second on the Broncos with 86 tackles. He trails team leader Jamie Winborn by two tackles.

--RB Tatum Bell could see his playing time cut when Selvin Young returns from a groin injury, which could be as soon as this week. Bell or P.J. Pope could be inactive to make room for Young once he proves he is 100 percent.

--WR Eddie Royal is first among the Broncos' non-kickers with 32 points. He has five touchdowns and a two-point conversion. Second on the team is Peyton Hillis, another rookie who has five touchdowns.

GAME PLAN: The Broncos have newfound confidence in their power running game, which should be used often against the Chiefs. Kansas City hasn't been great against the pass but it has been even worse against the run. The Chiefs rank 31st in the NFL in rush defense. If the Broncos get an early lead, they'll give Peyton Hillis plenty of carries.

Defensively, the Broncos will be spread out and tested by the Chiefs. In the last meeting, Denver gave up many big plays in the run game to Larry Johnson, but the Chiefs offense has changed since then. The Broncos will still see plenty of Johnson, but they'll also have to limit big plays from quarterback Tyler Thigpen and the passing game.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH: Broncos WR Brandon Marshall vs. Chiefs CBs Brandon Flowers and Brandon Carr. Marshall had a touchdown and seven catches in the first meeting against Kansas City's rookie cornerback duo. Marshall has been steady but unspectacular in recent weeks. The Broncos want to get him on a roll in the final weeks of the season.

Broncos CB Champ Bailey vs. Chiefs WR Dwayne Bowe. If Bailey returns, it will be interesting to see how the Chiefs treat him. They will likely test him early, considering he hasn't played since Oct. 20 because of a groin injury. But Bailey is still Denver's best defender. If Bailey doesn't play, Bowe vs. Dre Bly becomes a key matchup for both teams.

INJURY IMPACT:

--CB Champ Bailey was limited in practice Thursday after he was a bit sore following Wednesday's workout. The Broncos will watch him in practice on Friday, but won't take any chances by rushing him back from a groin injury.

--DE Ebenezer Ekuban returned to a limited practice Thursday after being held out Wednesday because of a back injury. He should be able to play this week if there are no further issues.

--S Marlon McCree practiced on a limited basis Thursday, his first practice since suffering a high ankle sprain on Nov. 2. He probably won't play this week but is getting closer to a return.

--FB Spencer Larsen was downgraded from full practice to limited practice Thursday because of groin and hip injuries. The Broncos will see how he improves on Friday and he could be a game-time decision.

--LB D.J. Williams practiced in full Wednesday, but was limited on Thursday because of a knee injury. That's a step back for Williams, who might miss another week if he doesn't practice well Friday.

--LB Nate Webster practiced in full on Wednesday and appears set to return to his starting middle linebacker spot. Spencer Larsen, who filled in when Webster was out with a knee injury, will be moved back to fullback this week.

--RB Selvin Young practiced in full on Wednesday. That is a good sign that he will be able to return this week from a groin injury.