EXCLUSIVE: Broncos' DeMarcus Ware makes progress with right forearm injury, could play vs. Chargers

CENTENNIAL, Colo. -- The likelihood of DeMarcus Ware returning Sunday increased this week as he made encouraging progress with his broken right forearm. In an exclusive interview with Denver7, Ware said he planned to talk to coach Gary Kubiak on Friday night to determine his status. 

Ware has not played since Sept. 18, when he fractured his arm on Von Miller's knee while attempting to sack Colts quarterback Andrew Luck. Ware pointed to this game as his possible return two weeks ago, even as Nov. 6 at Oakland appeared more likely. However, Ware enjoyed multiple strong days of practice this week, leaving him a game-time decision against the Chargers.

"Today I did a lot more of the drills and stuff. For me the mental part is part is there. It’s about going out there and using it over and over again. I have to gain that confidence in something I haven’t used in five or six weeks. To get back out there and feel the impact," Ware told Denver7. "The main thing is getting the strength back."

At 34, Ware knows from experience the hurdles he must clear to play. He has dealt with a back injury the past two seasons, and returned too quickly last year from the disc issue. The recent time off helped Ware's back, and he gained muscle, weighing 250 pounds. Regardless if Ware suits up, he said he will be on a play count just as he was when the season began. The issue becomes what are the realistic expectations, something he figures to be asked by Kubiak and the training staff on Friday night.

"Kubiak will make sure I am prepared mentally, and that’s not an issue. And it would probably be me and him having a talk, him asking, 'What can you actually do?'"  Ware said. "It’s going to be be like, 'We know you are probably not playing goal line. How do you feel about the run?' He will assess it from there. It's 50-50, but I felt good with all the stuff I was doing."

Want Broncos news? Denver7 Broncos insider Troy E. Renck is your source. He talks to the players, covers the games and reports scoops on Denver7 and the Denver7 app. He is a CU grad who has covered pro sports in Colorado since 1996, including 14 years at The Denver Post. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter and TheDenverChannel.com’s Broncos page. Troy welcomes most of your emails at Troy.Renck@kmgh.com.