With the Baltimore Ravens coming out on top against the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Wild Card round, the stage is set for the Denver Broncos first playoff game with the Ravens traveling to the Mile High City to take on Peyton Manning and company on Saturday.
Before heading into the postseason, the Broncos were arguably the hottest team in the NFL with 11 straight wins. As a result, the team clinched the top seed in the AFC and are expected to go the distance with a Super Bowl appearance a distinct possibility.
Ironically enough, the Broncos’ success throughout the second-half of the regular season came without their best running back. Starter Willis McGahee went down with a knee injury back in Week 11 against the San Diego Chargers. The consensus was that McGahee would be done for the year with the team putting him on the injured reserve.
Fortunately for the Broncos, McGahee’s return hasn’t been completely ruled out with the team expecting his return if they can reach the AFC Championship game. McGahee returned to practice for the Broncos on Tuesday according to Gary Caldwell of DenverBroncos.com:
On Tuesday, the Broncos welcomed back a familiar face.
Running back Willis McGahee joined his teammates on the practice field Tuesday for the first time since injuring his knee in Week 11 against the San Diego Chargers.
McGahee is back practicing with the team, but will not play against the Ravens on Saturday. Knowshon Moreno will continue as the starter moving forward with McGahee’s return expected if the team can advance to the AFC Championship game against the New England Patriots or Houston Texans.
During McGahee’s absence, Moreno has picked up the slack considerably. Moreno has rushed for 510 yards and three touchdowns while also being a force as a receiver with 155 yards on 20 receptions.
