To replace Boyd on the active roster, the Broncos signed safety Herana-Daze Jones.

PLAYER NOTES

--OT Tyler Polumbus is the Broncos backup at both tackle positions. He might be needed this week if Ryan Clady's ankle injury doesn't improve. Polumbus is an undrafted rookie who hasn't played offense in a regular-season game.

--RB P.J. Pope was Denver's most effective running back against Carolina. With so much uncertainty at the position, the Broncos could give Pope more carries this week to see if he can be the answer at tailback. No matter who the top back is, the Broncos are likely to continue splitting carries.

--P Brett Kern has had a solid rookie season. He ranks fifth in the NFL in gross punting average at 47 yards per kick.

--QB Jay Cutler is 238 yards from tying the franchise's single-season record for passing yards, set by Jay Cutler in 2004. With 149 more yards he'll have the third 4,000-yard season in Broncos history.

--LB Jamie Winborn needs one tackle for the second 100-tackle season of his career. He had 104 tackles with the 49ers in 2004.

GAME PLAN: The Broncos don't look like they have a whole lot of options on offense. The running game didn't play well last week, which is a result of having five tailbacks on injured reserve. They will pass the ball a lot against the Bills, even if the temperature is in the teens as expected, using a short passing game to keep drives going with a few shots downfield.

Against Buffalo's offense, the Broncos are likely to stack the box, roll coverage to receiver Lee Evans' side of the field and see if the Bills have any other weapons that can beat them. Bills quarterback Trent Edwards will likely be making his first start after missing a couple of weeks with a groin injury.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH: Broncos WR Brandon Marshall vs. Bills CB Leodis McKelvin or Terrence McGee. McKelvin has had a good rookie season but he'll face a tough test in Marshall, who still has a chance to reach 100 catches this season. Marshall will also have a huge size advantage when he goes against McGee. The Broncos are at their best when Marshall is heavily involved in the offense. Expect plenty of double coverage to Marshall's side, which could free up Eddie Royal for some big plays.

Broncos RBs Tatum Bell, Selvin Young and P.J. Pope vs. Bills front seven. The Broncos don't have any power runners left after Peyton Hillis' season-ending injury. If the Bills can stretch out plays and not let the Broncos backs beat them to the outside, they should be able to keep Denver from having a big day on the ground.

INJURY IMPACT: CB Champ Bailey was optimistic about playing this week after increasing his workload in practice Wednesday. Bailey has missed seven games with a groin injury.

OT Ryan Clady missed practice on Wednesday because of an ankle injury. The Broncos hope he can come back and practice this week, but coach Mike Shanahan said he was sore.

OG Chris Kuper thinks he can play with a cast on his broken left hand. He was given Wednesday's practice off.

WR Brandon Stokley didn't practice Wednesday because of a heel injury that bothered him last week. He played through the injury against Carolina and said he anticipates playing again this week.

S Vernon Fox missed Wednesday's practice with a concussion. His role in the defense has diminished with the emergence of rookie Josh Barrett.

FB Spencer Larsen was limited in practice Wednesday because of a groin injury, but he is further along than last week, when he was inactive. If he continues to improve he should be available for this week's game.