Demaryius Thomas Injury: Updates on Broncos WR's Hip and Return

Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas suffered a hip injury against the Carolina Panthers in Week 1, but he won't miss any playing time.

Continue for updates.

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Thomas Active vs. Colts

Sunday, Sept. 18

DenverBroncos.com announced that Thomas was not listed with the inactive players against the Indianapolis Colts.

Head coach Gary Kubiak said on Sept. 14 that he expected Thomas to play, per Cameron Wolfe of the Denver Post.

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Thomas Comments on Playing Status

Thursday, Sept. 15

Thomas told reporters he believes he can play on Sunday, but noted the issue is "coming out of cuts and getting hit."

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Latest on Thomas' Practice Status 

Thursday, Sept. 15

The Broncos announced Thomas was a participant in practice for the second straight day. 

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Thomas to Undergo Testing

Sunday, Sept. 11

ESPN's Adam Schefter, citing league sources, reported Thomas "underwent an MRI on [Sept. 9] that now will be sent out for a second opinion." Schefter added that "there is some concern that Thomas could miss some time, depending on the second opinion."

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Broncos Need Thomas Healthy for Super Bowl Push

One of Thomas' underrated traits is his durability. The seventh-year receiver out of Georgia Tech hasn't missed a regular-season game since the 2011 campaign. That consistent impact is one of the many reasons he landed a monster contract extension last year.

His presence is even more important this season, with the Broncos featuring limited pass-catching weapons and an uncertain quarterback situation. Denver doesn't have enough other options to pick up the slack if he's sidelined.

Should Thomas miss time this season, the focus would shift even more toward a run-based offensive attack. The Broncos' best chance to open up more passing lanes without their top target available is to set up the play action with a strong ground game. C.J. Anderson performed exceptionally well on the ground and through the air with Trevor Siemian at quarterback during the regular-season opener.

However, the offense wouldn't operate anywhere near its usual efficiency if Thomas isn't on the field. The onus would likely fall on Bennie Fowler, Jordan Norwood and Cody Latimer to step up as much as possible opposite Emmanuel Sanders, should Thomas miss time this season.