Aqib Talib Injury: Updates on Broncos CB's Calf, Recovery from Shooting

Adam WellsJul 18, 2016

Denver Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib continues to recover from an offseason shooting, but he is ready to return to the field.

Continue for updates.

Talib Active vs. Rams

Saturday, Aug. 27

Talib was active for Saturday's game against the Los Angeles Rams, per Cameron Wolfe of the Denver Post.

Talib Comments on Recovery

Thursday, Aug. 11

Talib told Josina Anderson of ESPN his leg "feels good."

On July 18, Nicki Jhabvala of the Denver Post noted Talib was "off crutches and walking normally" during an appearance at T.J. Ward's golf tournament. On the same day, Talib told Wolfe he "feels great" and "should be" ready for training camp.

Ryan Koenigsberg of BSNDenver.com added Talib "has a very small scar on the back of his right calf; otherwise he looks A-OK."

Talib was shot in the right leg June 5; ESPN's Adam Schefter reported (via ESPN.com's Jeff Legwold) the bullet did not hit any arteries or ligaments.

Talib was released from the hospital the next day, but NFL Network's Ian Rapoport (via NFL.com's Conor Orr) reported investigators were trying to determine whether Talib accidentally shot himself.

Latest on Talib's Practice Status

Monday, Aug. 8

NFL Network's James Palmer reported Talib "practiced for 35 to 40 minutes" and was "being eased back similar to how Von Miller and Russell Okung were" brought back into the fold. Broadcaster Howard Balzer confirmed Talib passed his physical with the team.

On Aug. 6, Mike Klis of 9News reported Talib "had an encouraging private workout Saturday morning, and the head coach Gary Kubiak told 9News he hopes Talib can start practicing next week, if on a limited basis."

Kubiak Comments on Talib's Timeline for Return to Game Action

Monday, Aug. 8

Kubiak told reporters he wouldn't rule out Talib potentially playing in the preseason.

Broncos Need Talib Healthy for Super Bowl Push

The Broncos are going to need their full complement of defensive players to succeed this season. It was a formula that served the team well last season, as Talib, Miller, DeMarcus Ware and Co. carried the team to a Super Bowl title.

Things are different this year, as the offense will be in the hands of new quarterbacks Mark Sanchez and Paxton Lynch.

Talib's recovery is a huge step for the Broncos. He led the team with 13 passes defended and three interceptions last season, returning two of them for touchdowns. Their defense is deep, but no other cornerback on the roster can match his shutdown skills against the NFL's top wide receivers.