D.J. Williams May Start in Place of Wesley Woodyard and Other AFC West News

The Denver Broncos may be missing one of their key players on defense Thursday against the Raiders. Wesley Woodyard sustained a groin injury during last week’s game and the short week doesn’t give him much time to heal.

It would be wise for the Broncos to rest Woodyard to see if he can return for their Week 15 game in Baltimore against the Ravens. Mike Klis of the Denver Post reports that D.J. Williams may start in Woodyard’s place on Sunday.

Williams was the starter last season and Woodyard came into the game with the nickel package, but that all changed after Williams was suspended. Woodyard has been a pleasant surprise for the Broncos and his absence could make the defense susceptible to tight ends and running backs.

It’s a good thing the Broncos held onto Williams as they now have great depth. Williams is still a talented player and he should do a good job in a spot start.

More AFC West News…

Denver

Jeff Legwold of the Denver Post says late arrivals and late bloomers are a part of Denver’s success this season.

Legwold also says Denver’s defense has been confounded by opposing tight ends, which could be a problem against a guy like Brandon Myers on Thursday night without Woodyard.

Oakland

Paul Gutierrez of CSN Bay Area says reported talks between the Raiders and Jon Gruden make little sense.

Jim Trotter of Sports Illustrated squashed the rumor with a tweet, “It’s not happening. There is nothing to it.”

Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle says a leadership void is among Oakland’s many faults.

San Diego

Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego says Danario Alexander continues to produce for the Chargers.

Scott Kacsmar of ColdHardFootballFacts.com has a statistical look at Philip Rivers over the past three years.

Kansas City

Randy Covitz of the Kansas City Star reports that Jovan Belcher had access to many NFL support programs.

The Kansas City Star has a transcript of Belcher’s mother pleading for help on a 911 call. Warning on this one as it's quite disturbing.