Emmanuel Sanders Illness: Updates on Broncos Star's Status and Return

Emmanuel Sanders is dealing with flu-like symptoms ahead of Monday's key AFC showdown against the Cincinnati Bengals. However, he is active.

Continue for updates.

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Sanders Active in Week 16

Monday, Dec. 22

Mike Klis of the Denver Post confirms Emmanuel Sanders is active in Week 16:

Klis previously had reported on Sanders' status as he prepared for tonight's game:

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Sanders Dealing With Flu-Like Symptoms 

Saturday, Dec. 20

Denver Broncos star wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders exited Saturday's practice with flu-like symptoms.

Mike Klis of The Denver Post had the details of Sanders' injury:

With the previous offseason loss of Eric Decker to the New York Jets, Sanders has pulled his weight as the new No. 2 wide receiver in the Broncos offense. The ex-Pittsburgh Steeler never quite reached his potential before playing alongside Peyton Manning in Denver, and the organization has to be thrilled to emerge with such a valuable offensive weapon.

As effective as Sanders was in the lineup for the first half of the 2014 season, though, he did suffer a concussion in a shocking Week 11 upset loss to the St. Louis Rams. That put the Broncos' explosive aerial attack in jeopardy, and this latest injury Sanders is dealing with is more cause for alarm.

Slot wideout Wes Welker has a history of health issues of his own and is approaching the end of his career, so he can't be counted on to do much in Sanders' stead. Demaryius Thomas is Denver's best receiver, yet Manning needs more help than that on the outside.

If Sanders is out of the mix again, look for rookie second-round draft pick Cody Latimer to be implemented into the game plan.

Although Latimer isn't that experienced, there is a reason the team invested such a high draft choice in him. And playing with a QB like Manning should help his transition to a larger role.

The Broncos take on the Bengals on Monday, so Sanders does have an extra day to get back on track.