CENTENNIAL, Colo. -- Cornerback Aqib Talib missed practice Friday with a back injury and will not play Sunday against Oakland, coach Gary Kubiak confirmed.
Talib's back injury first surfaced against Houston when he covered Will Fuller on a deep route. Talib exited for a few plays, then returned. However, his back stiffened last week, improved and then grew worse last Saturday, sidelining him for Chargers game. The Broncos began preparations for the Raiders believing Talib would play.
However, Talib remained sore and traveled to California on Thursday for a second opinion on his injury. Coach Gary Kubiak said the visit brought a sliver of optimism, and he failed him to rule him out. But Talib's pain didn't diminish enough to permit him to practice.
Kubiak rules out Talib
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) November 4, 2016
#Broncos Talib will receive pain injection."We feel good about him going forward. He's in great spirits. But smart thing is giving him rest"
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) November 4, 2016
His absence puts the onus on Bradley Roby and Lorenzo Doss to step up. Roby won AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors last Sunday, but the Chargers' receiving corps pales to the Raiders' Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtreet. Doss, inactive for six games this season after a terrific training camp, played well in sub packages. Kayvon Webster expects to be back, but Doss will be needed.
#Broncos Darian Stewart on Roby playing for Talib "people act like he's not a first rounder We miss Talib but Roby can play" @DenverChannel
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) November 4, 2016
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Want Broncos news? Denver7 Broncos insider Troy E. Renck is your source. He talks to the players, covers the games and reports scoops on Denver7 and the Denver7 app. He is a CU grad who has covered pro sports in Colorado since 1996, including 14 years at The Denver Post. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter and TheDenverChannel.com’s Broncos page. Troy welcomes most of your emails at Troy.Renck@kmgh.com.