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Broncos Derek Wolfe, Demaryius Thomas tell Denver7 they expect to play

Key starters dealing with injuries
Posted at 1:56 PM, Sep 16, 2016
and last updated 2016-09-16 15:56:43-04

CENTENNIAL, Colo. -- Derek Wolfe and Demaryius Thomas have earned coach Gary Kubiak's trust. If they tell him they can go, they will suit up. Both players told Denver7 on Friday they plan to play on Sunday.

Improved after limited to a light workout Thursday, Wolfe returned to practice Friday as he works through issues with a neck injury sustained when he was facemasked in the Carolina game. 

"I will play," Wolfe said before adding when a group of reporters joined, "it's a matter of pain tolerance. There's a difference between being hurt and injured. If you are injured then you can't go. I am hurt."

Wolfe wants the Carolina's linemen fined for their actions. He repeated Friday his injury was the result of the Panthers targeting him. His neck began to hurt from repeated hands-to-the-face moves on initial contact, and then forced him out briefly when center Ryan Kalil yanked his facemask in the open field. His view was shaped by his personal experience in the game, and Wolfe didn't take kindly to accusations that the Broncos defense is dirty.

"DEFWU," Wolfe said. "Don't Ever (Mess) With Us."

Receiver Demaryius Thomas told Denver7 his left hip continues to improve, agreeing with the assessment he looked better at Friday's practice. His injury will continue to take time to heal, and will be closely monitored. Thomas is no stranger at playing through pain. He suffered a similar hip ailment in 2012 and didn't miss a game. His backup, Bennie Fowler, was ruled out with a broken bone in his right elbow. He thought he would play, but doctors said the fracture requires more time to heal. 

Tight end Jeff Heuerman (ankle) remains questionable on the injury list. 

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