Aqib Talib injury update: Broncos CB out on Sunday
Cornerback Aqib Talib is expected to miss the Denver Broncos’ critical AFC West showdown with the Oakland Raiders on Sunday night.
The Denver Broncos will be without top cornerback Aqib Talib for their most important game of the regular season so far against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday Night Football, according to James Palmer of NFL Network.
Per sources, #broncos Aqib Talib (back) will not play Sunday vs the #raiders.
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) November 4, 2016
Talib was ruled inactive just hours before Denver’s game last Sunday against the Oakland Raiders and has been out of practice all week with a back injury. After head coach Gary Kubiak sent Talib to get a second opinion on Thursday, team sources reportedly ruled the cornerback out Friday morning.
The 30-year-old has been a huge part of Denver’s success on the defensive side of the ball over the past three seasons as one of the top corners in the NFL. Talib already has three interceptions through seven games in 2016, along with 11 pass defenses and a touchdown.
Few teams are better equipped to handle losing a cornerback of Talib’s caliber than Denver, particularly with Chris Harris Jr.’s ability to shut down both No. 1 receivers and the slot. Bradley Roby will likely take starting Talib’s spot and is a very good player in his own right, while Lorenzo Doss played well last week against San Diego. backup
Still, this is a tough game for Talib to miss, as the two teams are tied atop the AFC West at 6-2. Oakland quarterback Derek Carr is in the MVP discussion and has a pair of great receivers to throw to in Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree.
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Doss will be much more challenged this week by Crabtree than against San Diego. Oakland slot receiver Seth Roberts also has four touchdowns on the year and could play a bigger role with Denver’s depleted depth.