Dumervil, Porter unlikely to play this weekend

(AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Denver’s defense may be without two defenders this weekend.  Defensive end Elvis Dumervil (ankle) and cornerback Tracy Porter (illness) have missed practice for two consecutive days and appear unlikely to play against the Chargers in Week 11.

“Right now, [Elvis Dumervil has] a muscle strain.  He’s getting treatment, doing everything he should be doing.  He’s in the meetings.  We’ll see what tomorrow brings,” Coach John Fox told the media.

If Dumervil is unable to play this weekend, watch for fourth-year defensive end Robert Ayers to see more action, while rookie Derek Wolfe gets involved as well.  Denver’s 31 sacks this season lead the NFL.  Ayers and Wolfe have recorded 4-of-31 of Denver’s quarterback take-downs this season.

On a positive injury note, offensive guard Chris Kuper (ankle) was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday — an improvement from not participating last week.  Unless he has a setback, Kuper should, at the very least, be able to play next week when the Broncos travel to Kansas City to take on the Chiefs.

Meanwhile, the team on Thursday announced the signing of rookie safety Duke Ihenacho to the practice squad and the release of linebacker Mike Mohamed from the squad.  Ihenacho was waived by the team on Tuesday but cleared waivers, allowing Denver to bring him back as a reserve defensive  back.

Porter has missed the past four weeks with seizure-like symptoms and young defensive backs Chris Harris and Tony Carter have stepped up in his absence.  Dumervil, on the other hand, hasn’t missed a game this season and ranks second on the team with seven sacks.  If neither player participates in this afternoon’s practice, expect them to be ruled out for this week’s game.