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San Diego tight end Antonio Gates (foot) and receiver Vincent Jackson (hamstring) sat out practice again Thursday. The teams still hopes Jackson can play Sunday at Denver. Gates will likely miss his third straight game and not come back until after the Chargers’ bye next week.

Cornerback Quentin Jammer didn’t practice Thursday after he worked fully Wednesday. He missed Thursday’s practice with an illness. He missed last week’s game with a hamstring injury. San Diego center Nick Hardwick practiced fully Thursday after missing Wednesday’s practice with a neck injury.

In Denver, cornerback Champ Bailey continued to make strides toward returning Sunday after a three-week absence due to a hamstring injury. He told reporters in Denver on Thursday that he expects to play Sunday. He practiced fully both practice days this week.

Denver does have some issues at safety. Brian Dawkins (ankle) missed his second straight day of practice and fellow starter Rahim Moore missed Thursday’s practice with an illness. The Broncos hope they both play, but if not, rookie Quentin Carter and little-used veteran David Bruton would be set to play against the Chargers.

In Oakland, Defensive end Matt Shaughnessy (shoulder), cornerback Chris Johnson (hamstring and, fullback Marcel Reece (ankle) haven’t practice this week and it may be difficult for them to play Sunday at Houston. None of the three players played in Week 4.

In Kansas City, rookie receiver Jonathan Baldwin practiced fully for the second straight day and he is on pace to play Sunday at Indianapolis for the first time this season. He has been out since mid-August after he reportedly injured his thumb in a fight with teammate Thomas Jones.

Check here for a complete list of the Denver Broncos' roster moves.

Surprise move: The cuts of defensive lineman Jeremy Jarmon and safety Kyle McCarthy were unexpected. Jarmon was brought in through a trade from Washington for Jabar Gaffney. He was expected to be part of Denver’s defensive-line rotation. McCarthy was working with the first-team defense for parts of camp. But in the end, 2010 draft picks David Bruton and Darcel McBath were kept over McCarthy.

No-brainers: There was talk that Derrick Harvey could be cut. But the team needs to keep him, especially with Jarmon out. The former No. 8 overall pick from Jacksonville is needed on Denver’s tenuous line. While he probably will never live up to his lofty draft position, Harvey is solid against the run and could help Denver. Also, I’m not shocked that Denver kept only rookie tight ends Julius Thomas and Virgil Green behind starter Daniel Fells. They cut Dante Rosario and Dan Gronkowski. The Broncos really like their three tight ends.

What's next: The Broncos have the No. 2 waiver priority. Expect them to use it often. Denver probably will look at defensive linemen, cornerbacks, offensive linemen and running backs on the waiver wire. The Colts cut defensive tackle Tommie Harris. DT is Denver’s greatest need, but the Broncos might be reluctant to pursue a player who has been cut by the Bears and Colts this year. Recently cut defensive linemen Jacob Ford (Tennessee) and Marcus Harrison (Chicago) could be appealing to Denver.

As far as I’m concerned the 53-man cut-down date (which occurs Saturday) is an overrated event.

Many players who survive the cut end up being gameday inactives during most of the season and teams are always looking to improve the back end of the roster. Yet, the final cutdown time is upon us, so let’s look at some of the players on the bubble for each AFC West team:

Denver: There’s not a ton of big names here that stand out as certain bubble players. Safeties Darcel McBath and David Bruton, both taken in 2009, could get the axe. Second-year cornerback Perrish Cox -- who is facing an October sexual assault trial that could imprison him for life -- could also be on the bubble. But the season-ending Achilles injury to key backup cornerback Syd’Quan Thompson could help Cox’s cause to make the team.

Kansas City: There’s not a lot big names here, either. Receivers Verran Tucker, Jeremy Horne and Keary Colbert are fighting for a spot. Running back Jackie Battle is likely an odd-man out. Defensive backs Donald Washington, Rashard Langford, Sabby Piscitelli and Travis Daniels are also on the bubble.

Oakland: Defensive backs Walter McFadden, Jeremy Ware, Steve Brown and Sterling Moore are all on the bubble. It will be interesting to see what happens there. Veteran running back Michael Bennett could also be on his way out as well as receiver/punt returner Nick Miller.

San Diego: The Chargers’ receiver situation is interesting. It looks like Bryan Walters could make the team. But what about Seji Ajirotutu, Laurent Robinson and Kelley Washington? Veteran linebacker Stephen Cooper and Kevin Bentley are on the bubble as is rookie undrafted quarterback Scott Tolzien.

What are your thoughts about the final cut downs. Fill up the comment section below with your thoughts.

We held our AFC West chat earlier Thursday. Below are some highlights:

Denver

Ryan from Denver: Any potential surprising cuts in store for Denver?

BW: Second-round 2009 pick Darcel McBath and fourth-round 2009 pick David Bruton (both safeties) could be on the chopping block.

Kansas City

Sweet Weaz from Essexville, Mi.: Bill, how's the Chiefs O-line shaping up with Jon) Asomoah and (Jared) Gaither? I've liked what I've seen from their offense the last two years.. and hope that it continues to mature

BW: They like Asomoah a lot. He was the reason why the Chiefs moved away from Brian Waters. Gaither will likely start if he is healthy. He played last week which was a good sign.

Oakland

Keith from New Jersey: Is it close to the time to start talking extension with Darren McFadden?

BW: Good question, Keith. McFadden and Johnson came into the league at the same time. Johnson has been great his entire career. McFadden came on strong last season. If McFadden has another huge year this year, he could ask for a new deal. But remember, McFadden was the No. 4 overall pick in 2008 and Johnson went later in the first round, so McFadden has already been paid a lot. But it soon could be time to think about the second deal.

San Diego

Billy from SD: Does Darryl Gamble and Bryan Walters make the cut?

BW: It will be close for both guys. Walters may have a better chance. Gamble could be a practice squad guy although it would be a well, a gamble, to expose him to the waiver wire.

Oakland Raiders coach Hue Jackson told reporters that he expects quarterback Jason Campbell to be cleared to practice Monday. Campbell was dinged up in Oakland’s preseason loss at San Francisco.

However, new tight end Kevin Boss has a knee injury and he is week-to-week, Jackson said. The Raiders open the regular season at Denver on Sept. 12 on ESPN’s “Monday Night Football.”

Because Jackson’s timetable was vague, it is impossible to gauge whether or not Boss will be ready for the regular season. It is another blow to the passing game. Louis Murphy is out for the opener and Jacoby Ford has a broken hand. He may be ready for the opener. Chaz Schilens is also out with a knee injury. Jackson recently said Schilens could come back soon. Meanwhile, the Oakland Tribune has a transcript of Jackson’s conference call with reporters Sunday.

In other AFC West notes Sunday night:

• Kansas City first-round pick Jon Baldwin had his hand heavily bandaged and only did cardio work at the team’s practice Sunday. The Chiefs still aren’t saying how Baldwin was hurt. Yet, it has been reported he was in a fight with teammate Thomas Jones and that Baldwin is likely out for the preseason.

• Denver safety David Bruton was released from the hospital Sunday after he suffered a head injury on Saturday.

Oakland coach Hue Jackson said his team went “backwards” in a 17-3 loss at San Francisco on Saturday night. I like that Jackson recognizes problems and is bent on fixing the issues. It bothered me when former Oakland coach Tom Cable put sugar on nearly every problem, downplaying major issues. Jackson seems focused on addressing problems and fixing them. That’s how a team will improve.

Denver safety David Burton was taken to a hospital with a head injury after Saturday night’s game against Buffalo.

What a tragic story of senseless violence at the Raiders-49ers game. What can you say? Just senseless. Shooting people over a game? It’s not worth it, folks.

Expect Denver rookie safety Rahim Moore to get a fine after a helmet-to-helmet hit against Buffalo on Saturday night. Moore seems like he’s an aggressive player, which is good for Denver. But that hit likely put him on the radar at the NFL offices. Players who lead with their helmets are not popular at 280 Park Ave.

San Diego-area columnist Jay Paris catches up with former Chargers executive Bobby Beathard.

Denver Broncos

Broncos safety David Bruton has turned to substitute teaching for $90 per day in his hometown of Miamisburg, Ohio. "I'm just trying to keep busy," Bruton said.

In an interview with the National Football Post, Broncos executive John Elway said last year's starting quarterback, Kyle Orton, needs to win more games. "Kyle has had good numbers, but we haven’t won a lot of football games, that’s the bottom line. That’s a reflection of you as a quarterback whether you want it or not. I take it as a responsibility of that quarterback."

Kansas City Chiefs

NFL Mocks graded each pick of the Chiefs' draft. Pick receiving the highest marks: Third-rounder Justin Houston.

KCChiefs.com's Josh Looney gauges realistic expectations for each of the team's 2011 draft picks.

Oakland Raiders

The Raiders are one of seven teams that has pledged not to cut salaries of any of their coaching assistants during the lockout.

Silver & Black Pride's Rich Langford explores whether it's a good idea for the Raiders to pursue Plaxico Burress.

San Diego Chargers

The San Diego Reader's Don Bauder writes that the "propaganda machine behind a taxpayer-financed new Chargers stadium is picking up steam, and looking more ridiculous."

BuffaloLowDown.com opines that it'll be the Chargers, not the Bills, that will be the team to fill the NFL void in Los Angeles.

The Denver Broncos had the type of draft in 2009 that was supposed to give the team a nucleus.

Thanks to several trades (including one that sent Pro Bowl quarterback Jay Cutler to Chicago), the Broncos finagled five picks in the first two rounds. It was an impressive display of draft chip building by first-year Denver coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Brian Xanders.

There’s no doubt that if the Broncos become a premier team in the near future it will be because of the development of the 2009 draft class. However, it appears solid production from this class is not a foregone conclusion. The class produced very little last year for Denver, which also wheel-and-dealed this year and produced five players in the top No. 87 picks, including receiver Demaryius Thomas and quarterback Tim Tebow in the first round.

“I like how Denver has found ways to acquire picks, and it’s a good way of building a great foundation,” said Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. “I’m just not sold on the players they have taken.”

While the 2010 class prepares to begin their rookie season, the 2009 class in Denver is preparing to make progress from a disappointing NFL start. Denver also has hope fourth-round picks David Bruton and Seth Olsen (guard) and fifth-round pick Kenny McKinley (receiver) will contribute as well. But the attention is on the five picks in the first two rounds.

The following is a look at those top five picks from Denver’s 2009 class:

No. 12, Knowshon Moreno, running back

Recapping 2009: Moreno had 947 yards and averaged 3.8 yards per carry. His production dipped terribly as the season wore on. He had 173 rushing yards in the final four games as the Broncos, who started the season 6-0, fell out of playoff contention and finished 8-8. Moreno’s 2.7-per-carry average in that time span was alarming. Overall, he didn’t show much explosiveness at all. His longest carry of the season was 27 yards.

What’s expected in 2010: The Broncos have been pleased with what they have seen from Moreno this offseason and he seems to be more prepared for the long NFL season. He will be the starter and Denver hopes that he can get in the 1,200-1,400-yard range as the Broncos move to a more traditional power-blocking scheme.

A scout’s view: “I liked Moreno as a late-first round pick but not at No. 12. You don’t take a running back that high unless he is Adrian Peterson, a superstar. I don’t think Moreno will be a superstar, but he should be better in Year 2. He’s a good player, but not an elite player.” -- Matt Williamson

No. 18, Robert Ayers, linebacker:

Recapping 2009: Ayers started just one game last season, finishing with 19 tackles. He didn’t have any sacks. That was disappointing for Denver because it drafted him to be a pass-rusher. He was moved to linebacker to use his explosiveness, but he didn’t show it as a rookie. Ayers was a late draft riser after a so-so college career.

What’s expected in 2010: It hasn’t started great. After being lauded by McDaniels for much of the offseason, Ayers didn’t practice for the first two days of the mandatory minicamp earlier this month. Finally, on the third day, Ayers did some work and McDaniels said the problem had been resolved. Ayers can’t have any more setbacks. He will get a chance to start at linebacker, but he must earn his keep.

A scout’s view: “I think he’s more of a 4-3 defensive end than a 3-4 linebacker. I don’t know if he is a good fit for Denver’s scheme. I’d be reluctant to write him off because he is adjusting to a new scheme.” -- Matt Williamson

No. 37, Alphonso Smith, cornerback

Recapping 2009: Smith’s rookie season was as a disaster partly because of how he was acquired. That’s not his fault, but he has to deal with it. When Smith, who was expected to be a late first-round pick, fell to No.37, Denver jumped up and traded its 2010 top pick (which turned out to be No. 14) to Seattle for him. Smith didn’t live up to the price tag. He couldn’t keep his nickel cornerback job as he was beaten out by veteran pickup Ty Law and undrafted rookie Tony Carter.

What’s expected in 2010: The Broncos expect Smith to be the nickel cornerback. If he doesn’t keep the job this year, the alarms will sound loudly.

A scout’s view: “I liked the move to get him at No. 37; I’m not so sure about giving up a first-round pick. He is tough as nails and he is a good player. I’m not sure why he had a slow start.” -- Matt Williamson

No. 48, Darcel McBath, safety

Recapping 2009: McBath was decent when he played, but for now, he is just a backup safety. He was a good special-teams player, but his season was cut short because of injuries.

What’s expected in 2010: To continue to develop and help on defense when needed and be a special-teams standout. He will replace Brian Dawkins when he retires.

A scout’s view: “I thought he was a good pick and he could be a good player. But he’s backup for now.” -- Matt Williamson

No. 64, Richard Quinn, tight end:

Recapping 2009: Like Smith, Denver gave up a lot to get Quinn. He was the centerpiece of a trade in which Denver sent two third-rounds picks away in 2009. Quinn was clearly targeted. Yet, on draft day, Quinn admitted that he expected to be selected much lower in the draft. Denver took him because of his blocking. He played in 15 games and didn’t have a catch. He made noticeable mistakes in games and in training-camp practices.

What’s expected in 2010: He needs to develop. The team is using more of a power-blocking scheme so he may be on the field with Daniel Graham more in double-tight end sets.

A scout’s view: “He’s a blocking tight end. He’s not dynamic enough to use that high of a pick on. The Broncos already have Graham and Quinn is a Graham clone. It’s clear that’s what they want out of the position, but I’m not sure he’ll give them the production that’s expected because of what they gave up to get him.” -- Matt Williamson

Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson

DENVER -- Below are the inactive players from Monday night’s game.

As expected, Pittsburgh safety Ryan Clark is inactive because of concerns over his health. He has a rare sickle-cell trait that causes his body to adversely react to exertion in high altitudes. In 2007, the last time Clark played in Denver, he had complications that led him to lose his spleen and gall bladder.

PITTSBURGH

2 Dennis Dixon 3QB

25 Ryan Clark S

65 Kraig Urbik G

66 Tony Hills T

77 Sunny Harris DE

81 Shaun McDonald WR

90 Travis Kirschke DE

94 Lawrence Timmons LB

DENVER

3 Tom Brandstater 3QB

22 Peyton Hillis RB

30 David Bruton S

70 Seth Olsen G

74 Ryan Harris T

81 Richard Quinn TE

84 Brandon Lloyd WR

98 Ryan McBean DL

Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson

ENGLEWOOD, Co. -- Camp notes from the Broncos' early practice, where the day began with a Michael Jackson tribute over the loud speakers as players and fans assembled on the field.

• The Broncos were pleased to see right tackle Ryan Harris back on the field, one day after he left the field with an arm injury.

• Denver coach Josh McDaniels downplayed the release of the team's depth chart Monday. He said it was a league mandate and said "it is not our depth chart." Receiver Brandon Marshall was listed No. 2 on the chart. He has been out for nine days with an apparent hamstring injury.

• Marshall isn't expected to travel to San Francisco for the Broncos' preseason opener Friday night. Marshall has a trial for a misdemeanor battery charge on Thursday in Atlanta. If he is convicted, he could face league discipline.

• Second-round pick Darcel McBath was working ahead of fourth-round pick David Bruton at Brian Dawkins' safety position. Bruton had been working ahead of McBath. Dawkins will be out at least two weeks with a broken hand.

• The Broncos really like undrafted rookie defensive tackle Chris Baker, who is cruising up the depth chart. He began his college career at Penn State and finished at Hampton.

• Quarterback Kyle Orton definitely has a lot of weapons to use. The Broncos' receivers and running backs look strong.

• The morning practice went 25 minutes longer than scheduled. Most practices have gone 30 minutes late or longer.

• Defensive lineman Kenny Peterson definitely feels comfortable with McDaniels. Peterson stood behind McDaniels as he addressed the media Tuesday morning. Peterson, a projected starter, was a freshman while McDaniels was a senior quarterback at Canton, Ohio's McKinley Senior High School.

Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson

The Broncos said Sunday night that they have agreed to terms with three of their five remaining draft picks. The three players will sign the deals Monday morning. The rookies begin practice Monday while the Broncos' full squad starts training camp Friday.

The Broncos' remaining unsigned draft picks are their two first rounders: Running back Knowshon Moreno and Robert Ayers.

The players signed Sunday were second-round pick Darcel McBath (safety), fourth-round pick David Bruton (safety) and sixth-round pick Tom Brandstater (quarterback).

Posted by ESPN.com staff

Denver Broncos

• Fourth-round draft pick David Bruton expects to make an immediate impact with the Broncos this season on special teams.
• The Broncos should ignore Brandon Marshall's pleas for a trade, according to CBSSports.com's Clark Judge.
  

Kansas City Chiefs

• Wide receiver Devard Darling, a native of Nassau, Bahamas, tries to create more opportunities for Bahamian athletes to pursue their gridiron dreams by hosting football camps in his home country. This year he'll be joined by teammates Dwayne Bowe, Bobby Engram and Larry Johnson.
• During an interview with KCTV5's Brad Stephens, coach Todd Haley said,"If I could have 53 Matt Cassels, I'd be excited."
  

Oakland Raiders

• The team's Web site has a profile of fourth-year guard Paul McQuistan.

San Diego Chargers

• Why did LaDainian Tomlinson's mother, Loreane, write a book about her famous son? "People would be sent to me, reporters from CNN and ESPN and all over. They'd ask me, 'How did you raise a champion?'" LT's mom said.

Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson

After observing and talking to people around the AFC West during the minicamp and OTA season, here are some players selected in the second day of the draft that could have an impact as rookies:

Denver
David Bruton, FS, fourth round, Notre Dame: Bruton is an athletic player who is expected to make an immediate impression on special teams. With a little luck, he could play some at safety.

Kansas City
Alex Magee, DT, third round, Purdue: The stout Magee may get a chance to start as the nose tackle in the Chiefs' new 3-4 scheme. The team believes he is ready to contribute. Don't expect spectacular numbers, but Magee has a chance to be nice anchor on the Chiefs' line.

Quinten Lawrence, WR, sixth round, McNeese State: Lawrence is a project, but he has elite speed and he could get a chance to be the Chiefs' returner right away.

Oakland
Louis Murphy, WR, fourth round, Florida: Murphy has a chance to make an impact on a thin receiving depth chart. He is a speedy player who excelled at a high level in college. Don't be surprised if Murphy is a solid contributor as a rookie.

Slade Norris, DE, fourth round, Oregon State: Norris is a special teams ace who should help Oakland with his speed.

San Diego
Louis Vasquez, OG, third round, Texas Tech: Vasquez has a chance to be a starter right away. He will get a long look in the preseason. The Chargers have been very impressed with him in OTAs.

Kevin Ellison, S, sixth round, USC: This is definitely a player to watch. The Chargers are looking for a starting safety and it could be Ellison. He is a talented, hard hitter who San Diego is very intrigued by.