Chris Kuper stepped closer to making his 2012 debut Sunday at New England when the Denver Broncos guard practiced fully Thursday. He had been practicing on a limited basis since the beginning of last week.

Kuper broke his forearm in August. Denver coach John Fox maintains that Kuper will be a game-time decision. At this point, I’d be surprised if he doesn’t play against the Patriots.

Broncos linebacker Nate Irving was also a full participant; he missed Sunday's game because of a concussion he suffered last week.

In other AFC West news:

Kansas City cornerback Brandon Flowers ended up practicing fully despite a heel problem; he was expected to be limited. Receiver Jon Baldwin (hamstring) and Ryan Lilja (back) also practiced at full speed.

The wife of Denver quarterback Peyton Manning will reportedly become a minority owner of the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies.