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Denver Broncos star rookie linebacker Von Miller took another step toward not playing Sunday at Minnesota as he failed to practice for the second straight day. He had surgery Tuesday to repair ligaments in his thumb.

Miller suffered the injury Sunday at San Diego, but he finished the game and made a huge play near the end of overtime to help the Broncos. Denver coach John Fox didn’t shed much light on Miller’s status for Sunday against the Vikings.

“It’s in the medical people’s hands, and if they deem him ready to play, he’ll play. They’re working on all those things,” Fox told reporters Thursday. “Again, I’ll meet with the medical people. We’ll make that determination tomorrow.”

Perhaps this is a positive: Fox said Miller is in the process of getting medical protection gear. It will likely be in the form of a hard cast or hard splint. Wednesday, ESPN medical analyst Stephania Bell said Miller will likely be limited if he does play Sunday.

Miller has been outstanding and he has been the catalyst to Denver’s defensive revival, and he's the leading candidate to win the NFL defensive rookie of the year award. He has 10.5 sacks in 11 games.

Also for Denver, running back Willis McGahee (illness) and receiver Eddie Royal (toe) were both limited Thursday after not practicing Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the San Diego Chargers – who have lost six straight games – are getting healthier.

Linebacker Shaun Phillips (foot), receiver Malcom Floyd (hip) and guards Louis Vasquez (ankle) and Tyronne Green (hand) all practiced fully and are expected to play Monday night at Jacksonville barring setbacks.

However, tackle Brandyn Dombrowski remained out of practice with a foot injury. He is the seventh injured San Diego offensive lineman, and he was playing for Marcus McNeill at left tackle. McNeill was put on the injured reserve Wednesday. If Dombrowski can’t play, newly claimed Jared Gaither could be an option. He was claimed off waivers from Kansas City.

In Kansas City, starting offensive linemen Casey Wiegmann (finger) and Ryan Lilja (head) were limited in practice Thursday.

The Raiders’ injury issues are basically status quo.

The AFC West claim game continued for a second straight Wednesday and this one makes perfect sense.

The San Diego Chargers claimed tackle Jared Gaither off waivers from Kansas City. The Chiefs cut him Tuesday. Last week, it was the Chiefs claiming quarterback Kyle Orton off waivers from Denver.

As soon as Gaither was cut Tuesday, I thought it made perfect sense that he would end up in San Diego. The Chargers have lost six offensive linemen to injuries. To make room for Gaither, left tackle Marcus McNeill was put on the injured reserve with a neck injury he suffered against Oakland on Nov. 10. It had been expected for a while that McNeill likely wouldn’t return this year.

The San Diego Union Tribune reports the Chargers would like Brandyn Dombrowski to continue to replace McNeill. However, Dombrowski is dealing with a foot injury and he did not practice Wednesday.

Gaither can play both left and right tackle. At the very least, he will be a strong backup for the Chargers.

The Chargers may be finally regaining some healthy. The San Diego Union Tribune reported guards Louis Vasquez (ankle) and Tyronne Green (hand) practiced Wednesday for the first time in week as did starting receiver Malcom Floyd, who was out for several weeks with a hip injury.

SAN DIEGO -- As expected, San Diego’s offensive line is a mess.

Starters Marcus McNeill (neck) and Louis Vasquez (ankle) are out for the second straight game. San Diego is also missing guard Kris Dielman, who is out for the year because of a concussion. Backup guard Tyronne Green is also out with a hand injury. Undrafted rookie Steve Schilling and newly signed Tony Moll are expected to start at guard. Brandyn Dombrowski will start for McNeill.

Receiver Malcom Floyd remains out with a hip injury. Rookie Vincent Brown will start for him. Linebacker Shaun Phillips is active for the first time in a month after being out with a foot injury.

Denver’s inactive list doesn’t feature any surprises.

In other AFC West nuggets:

Rookie receiver Denarius Moore (foot) and running back Taiwan Jones (hamstring) are among Oakland’s inactive players against Chicago. Receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey is active. He had a neck injury.

ESPN is reporting that Detroit defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh is expected to be suspended at least two games for his actions Thursday against Green Bay. The Lions play at Oakland on Dec. 18 and they host San Diego on Dec. 24.

ESPN is reporting that the agent of receiver Terrell Owens said there is one team that is very interested in signing Owens. I don’t see any natural fits with any of the AFC West teams at this point.

ESPN Stats & Information has some keys to Sunday’s Denver-San Diego game.

The San Diego Chargers got good injury news when running back Ryan Mathews practiced fully for the first time this week with a knee injury. He is probable to play Sunday against the Denver Broncos. San Diego linebacker Shaun Philips is listed as questionable to play Sunday. He has been out for several weeks with a foot injury. He is expected to play in passing situations Sunday.

As expected, receiver Malcom Floyd (hip) and tackle Marcus McNeill (neck) have been ruled out of the game. Guard Louis Vasquez (ankle) and key backup Tyronne Green (hand) are doubtful. Denver doesn’t have any major injury concerns.

For the Oakland Raiders, receiver Jacoby Ford (foot), running back Darren McFadden (foot) and defensive end Jarvis Moss (hamstring) have been ruled out of Sunday’s home game against the Chicago Bears. All three were expected to be out.

Oakland has several players who are questionable to play, including receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey (neck), defensive lineman Richard Seymour (knee), receiver Denarius Moore (foot), safety Michael Huff (ankle), defensive end Lamarr Houston (knee) and running back Taiwan Jones (hamstring). The Oakland Tribune reports that Heyward-Bey has a better chance to play than Moore.

The San Diego Chargers got some good news Thursday as linebacker Shaun Phillips practiced on a limited basis for the first time after missing several weeks with a foot injury. Perhaps that is a sign the team thinks he may be able to play Sunday against Denver.

Meanwhile, running back Ryan Mathews took a step back. He did not practice Thursday with a knee injury. He was limited Wednesday. His situation will likely be monitored until game time. Receiver Malcom Floyd (hip), offensive linemen Marcus McNeill (neck) and Louis Vasquez (ankle) were among the players who did not practice Thursday. There is a strong chance all three players will not play Sunday.

Oakland is still having health issues at the skill positions. Receiver Jacoby Ford will likely be out again with a foot injury and rookie Denarius Moore hasn’t practiced this week with a foot injury. Receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey did some light work Thursday after suffering a neck injury at Minnesota. Running backs Darren McFadden and Taiwan Jones aren’t practicing either and they look like they may miss Sunday’s home game against Chicago.

Kansas City guard Ryan Lilja has not practiced this week with a head injury and he likely will not play Sunday against Pittsburgh. Chiefs’ linebacker Demorrio Williams (groin) and defensive end Glenn Dorsey (knee) were both limited Thursday after practicing fully Wednesday.

The Broncos are pretty healthy this week.

The major injury issues for the San Diego Chargers along the offensive line are continuing. The San Diego Union-Tribune is reporting that key backup Scott Mruczkowski will be placed on the injured reserve after he suffered a concussion on Sunday at Chicago — the Chargers' fifth consecutive loss.

Standout guard Kris Dielman was put on the injured reserve last week with a concussion; Mruczkowski was playing for Dielman. The Chargers are also playing without starting offensive linemen Marcus McNeill and Louis Vasquez — and Vasquez's backup, Tyronne Green, is dealing with an injury, too.

San Diego signed three offensive linemen last week. It could now sign another one to replace Mruczkowski.

Receiver Malcom Floyd (hip) and linebacker Shaun Phillips (foot) remained out of practice. They’ve both missed several weeks. Running back Ryan Mathews (knee) was limited in practice Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the Union-Tribune adds, quarterback Philip Rivers convened a short players-only talk on the field after Wednesday's practice.

The San Diego Chargers, according to the San Diego Union Tribune, are adding their third offensive lineman to the 53-man roster this week. The paper reports rookie Colin Baxter is being promoted in time for the Chargers’ game at Chicago on Sunday.

Baxter spent camp with the Chargers and spent time on the Jets’ 53-man roster before going on San Diego’s practice squad. The Chargers will be without starters Kris Dielman (who is out for the year because of a concussion), left tackle Marcus McNeill (stinger) and guard Louis Vasquez (ankle) Sunday. The San Diego Union Tribune reports that this will be the team’s starting offensive line Sunday. Tony Moll and Ike Ndukwe were signed earlier this week.

In other AFC West nuggets:

The Chiefs have ruled out linebacker Demorrio Williams for Monday night’s game at New England because of a groin injury.

Former Giants’ receiver Amani Toomer is the latest pundit to chime in on Tim Tebow. Count Toomer as among those in Tebow’s corner. In fact, the ex-Giant would take the Broncos’ quarterback over Jets’ quarterback Mark Sanchez if he was building a franchise. Not a bad argument considering Thursday’s results in which Tebow outplayed Sanchez when it counted in the Broncos’ 17-13 win over the Jets.

The Oakland Tribune expects Carson Palmer to have a big day Sunday against a depleted Minnesota secondary.

Upon my arrival home from Denver, let’s take a look at some key AFC West injury developments heading in the remaining Week 11 action:

In Oakland, the Raiders will definitely be without running back Darren McFadden (foot), receiver Jacoby Ford (foot) and cornerback Chris Johnson (groin) again. However, the team is focused on whether or not star defensive lineman Richard Seymour (ankle) will play Sunday at Minnesota. The team is hopeful Seymour will play. But he missed the entire practice week. Safety Michael Huff suffered a setback and he is questionable to play with an ankle injury that kept him out of last week’s game.

McFadden hasn’t played since week 7. The team is hopeful he could potentially play next week against visiting Chicago. However, with backup Michael Bush playing well, there is no need to rush McFadden back. There’s no timetable for Ford’s return. He was hurt Nov. 10 at San Diego.

In San Diego, as expected, the Chargers will be without several key players. The Chargers’ injury woes begin on the offensive line. With standout guard Kris Dielman out for the year because of a concussion, the team will also be without left tackle Marcus McNeill (stinger) and will likely be without guard Louis Vasquez (ankle) Sunday at Chicago. He is listed as doubtful. The team has been expecting this problem all week.

Receiver Malcom Floyd (hip) and linebacker Shaun Phillips (foot) remain out. They’ve both missed multiple games. Standout defensive tackle Antonio Garay (hip) is questionable to play Sunday.

In Kansas City, defensive end Glenn Dorsey (knee), starting cornerback Brandon Flowers (back) and Brandon Carr (ankle) were limited for the second straight day of practice. They were joined on the limited list by safety Jon McGraw (shoulder). The four players will have an extra day to heal. Kansas City plays at New England on Monday.

Three key Kansas City defenders were limited in practice as they began preparing for Monday night’s game at New England.

Starting cornerback Brandon Flowers (back) and Brandon Carr (ankle) and defensive end Glenn Dorsey (knee) were all limited. The extra day before the game will help these players, but it seems their chances of playing may be questionable.

Other AFC West nuggets:

• The Chargers’ injury issues continue. Guard Louis Vasquez (ankle) and left tackle Marcus McNeill (stinger) and they likely won’t play. Receiver Malcom Floyd (hip), defensive tackle Antonio Garay (hip), cornerback Marcus Gilchrist (hamstring) and linebacker Shaun Phillips (foot) all didn’t practice, either. Both Phillips and Floyd have been out for several weeks.
• The Raiders placed fourth-round pick, cornerback Chimdi Chekwa, on the injured reserve with a hamstring injury. He suffered the injury in his only start of the season, Week 4 against New England. To take his place, Oakland signed second-year cornerback Bryan McCann. He has played 14 games the since the start of last season with Dallas and Baltimore.
• Oakland standouts, running back Darren McFadden (foot), receiver Jacoby Ford (foot) and defensive lineman Richard Seymour (ankle) are not practicing Thursday for the second straight day. The Oakland Tribune believes McFadden, who was hurt in Week 7, and Ford, who was hurt last week, will not play at Minnesota on Sunday, while Seymour has a solid chance to play.

The San Diego Chargers’ offensive line issues may continue this weekend.

After guard Kris Dielman was put on the injured reserve with a concussion, fellow guard Louis Vasquez (ankle) and left tackle Marcus McNeill (stinger) didn’t practice Wednesday as the 4-5 Chargers open the practice week to prepare to play at Chicago on Sunday. Dielman’s replacement, Tyronne Green, didn’t practice Wednesday because of a hand injury. Newly signed Tony Moll could start at guard.

In addition to the Chargers problems on the offensive line, other players who didn’t practice Wednesday include receiver Malcom Floyd (hip), defensive tackle Antonio Garay (hip), cornerback Marcus Gilchrist (hamstring) and linebacker Shaun Phillips (foot). Both Phillips and Floyd have been out for several weeks.

The San Diego Union Tribune reports it is not expected that Floyd or McNeill plays Sunday.

In other AFC West news Wednesday evening:

• Former Denver quarterback Jay Cutler doesn’t seem interested in revisiting his rivalry with San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers.
• Oakland kicker Sebastian Janikowski, punter Shane Lechler and San Diego fullback Jacob Hester are leading their positions in the fan portion of the Pro Bowl voting. Fans account for a third of the voting power.

UPDATED NOTES: Kansas City tackle Branden Albert was reportedly one of the professional athletes who were present early Tuesday morning at a New York nightclub when a fatal shooting occurred.

The San Diego Union Tribune has a projected starting offensive line for the Chargers at Chicago due to three starters being injured. Warring, San Diego fans, it’s not ideal.

Denver quarterback Tim Tebow is opting not to judge some extra-zealous fans.

The last time we saw the San Diego Chargers' offensive line it was battered and barely able to give quarterback Philip Rivers any protection in a home loss to Oakland on Sunday.

The Chargers could be in a similar bind this week at Chicago. To help beef up the unit, San Diego signed veteran Tony Moll. He has started 21 games for Green Bay and Baltimore, from 2006 to 2010. He was last with Jacksonville this summer.

To make room for Moll, San Diego cut linebacker Darryl Gamble, who was a preseason star. The Chargers will likely try to put Gamble on the practice squad. I could see Gamble being promoted back to the 53-man roster once the Chargers’ offensive line is healthy.

The San Diego Union Tribune reported that guard Kris Dielman will miss his fourth straight game with a concussion. Tackle Marcus McNeill (stinger) and guard Louis Vasquez (ankle) were both hurt against the Raiders. It is uncertain if they will play against the Bears.

AFC WEST NOTES UPDATE:

Reggie McKenzie’s name is, once again, being connected to a potential general manager’s opening in Oakland. McKenzie’s name was one of the first to be connected to a possible opening in Oakland after the death of owner Al Davis. The Green Bay front-office executive is a former Raiders’ player.

The Raiders added to their practice squad.

SAN DIEGO -- A look at an entertaining, standings-changing Thursday night game:

What it means: The Raiders are in first place in the AFC West. They are 5-4 and snapped a two-game losing streak. San Diego has lost four consecutive games and now is 4-5. Kansas City is 4-4, and Denver is 3-5. The Chiefs host the Broncos on Sunday.

The QBs: Oakland quarterback Carson Palmer was mostly terrific as he threw for 299 yards. San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers had his moments but threw a key interception in the end zone late in the game. He has made a key mistake in every game during the Chargers’ losing streak.

Bush excels: Oakland needs to re-sign running back Michael Bush. He has been fantastic in two starts in place of star Darren McFadden, who is out with a foot injury. Bush finished with 157 yards on 30 carries after starting fast with 78 yards on 13 carries in the first quarter. He is a free agent at the end of the season.

Rookie receivers shine: Oakland rookie receiver Denarius Moore looks like a top target for Palmer. He had five catches for a game-high 123 yards, including two touchdowns. San Diego rookie receiver Vincent Brown had a touchdown pass on a spectacular catch and had another nice touchdown catch reversed. They both look like keepers.

Injuries pile up: Both teams came into this game banged up. The injuries mounted. Oakland lost receiver Jacoby Ford to a foot injury. San Diego saw left tackle Marcus McNeill (stinger), guard Louis Vasquez (ankle) and linebacker Takeo Spikes (concussion) leave the game. The Chargers were playing without three offensive linemen much of the game, and San Diego pass-rusher Antwan Barnes was injured late in the contest.

What’s next: The Raiders play at Minnesota on Nov. 20, and San Diego plays at Chicago in a game that matches up former AFC West adversaries Rivers and Jay Cutler.

SAN DIEGO — This is the last thing the Chargers’ battered offensive line needs.

Guard Louis Vasquez has left the game with an injury. He joins guard Kris Dielman (who is missing his third game with a concussion) and left tackle Marcus McNeill on the San Diego sideline. McNeill suffered a stinger early in Thursday's game against Oakland and he is doubtful to return.

There is no word on the extent of Vasquez's injury, but it looked like an ankle issue. Backup center Scott Mruczkowski is playing for Vasquez.

The Raiders have been harassing San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers all night.

Yet the Chargers got hot after Vasquez’s injury and just cut Oakland’s lead to 17-10 on a beautiful pass play from Rivers to rookie Vincent Brown.

UPDATE: The Chargers announced Vasquez is doubtful to return with an ankle injury.

UPDATE: The Chargers announced linebacker Takeo Spikes is out with a concussion.

SAN DIEGO -- If anything beneficial came out of the San Diego Chargers’ early-season stumbles in 2010, it was that the team that always seemed to be living dangerously had finally learned its lesson.

Starting slow can catch up to a team. In the three previous seasons under coach Norv Turner, the Chargers overcame slow starts with torrid finishes that resulted in AFC West championships. It didn’t happen last year. San Diego couldn’t overcome an early 2-5 hole and finished 9-7, allowing the upstart Kansas City Chiefs to steal the division title.

Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers said earlier in this abbreviated training camp that the Chargers must learn from last year’s disappointment and find a way to finally start fast.

Turner is all for starting fast, and he said one emphasis during camp is working to fix what has made the Chargers vulnerable in recent seasons. San Diego's offense has often been sloppy early on, committing too many turnovers. Last season, the Chargers committed 18 turnovers in their first seven games.

“We’ve played good football, but the turnovers hurt us,” Turner said. “When we didn’t turn the ball over, we’d win. That’s what we’re working on. I think the key is not talking about the slow starts, but working on the reason why we started slow.”

THREE HOT ISSUES

1. Getting special teams up to speed. The 2010 Chargers will be remembered for assembling perhaps the worst special-teams unit of all time. San Diego had the No. 1-ranked offense and No. 1-ranked defense in the NFL last year, yet it didn’t make the playoffs because of special teams, which cost the Chargers in every imaginable way. The Chargers have put a major emphasis on the unit during camp. Special-teams practice segments are long and spirited. New special-teams coach Rich Bisaccia is well-respected and determined to get his players on track.

“It is a major point of emphasis in this camp,” Turner said.

2. Get Ryan Mathews ready. This is a big camp for Mathews, the running back who was the No. 12 overall pick in 2010. He alarmed the team when he failed a conditioning test at the start of training camp. Teammates reportedly were surprised Mathews failed the test, and he admitted he should have worked out his legs more during the lockout. That is the last thing a team wants to hear from its rich 24-year-old tailback of the future. He is currently dealing with a minor leg injury that is expected to keep him out of the preseason opener against Seattle. Mathews had durability issues last year, although he flashed at times, and he must show during camp that he is ready to be a lead back and can stay healthy.

“Ryan has to get some carries,” Turner said. “We need to get him some work.”

Turner expects Mathews to continue to work in tandem with powerful veteran Mike Tolbert, who looks as fearsome as always. Tolbert is an underrated weapon. Look for him to see more action in all phases of the run game as Mathews tries to develop.

3. The veteran safeties. Oft-injured Bob Sanders looks good. It may be too much to ask for the former NFL Defensive Player of the Year to return to his peak form, considering he has played in nine games over the past three years, but Sanders looks primed to bounce back. He and fellow safety Eric Weddle, who last month signed a $40 million deal to stay in San Diego, seem to have a strong on-field connection. They should be fun to watch and should benefit from playing with each other.

“Bob has been amazing,” Weddle reports. “There’s no rust there.”

BIGGEST SURPRISE

The Chargers have their starting receivers together. That wasn’t expected.

The Chargers wanted to bring back No. 2 wideout Malcom Floyd, but they thought they would be outbid for Floyd's services. The market didn't develop as expected, though, so Floyd took a two-year deal that could be worth as much as $7 million to stay in San Diego.

That means the Chargers have No. 1 receiver Vincent Jackson (who held out for much of last season, and was given the franchise tag this year) and Floyd in the fold. Last year, because of a rash of injuries at the position, Rivers was throwing to street free agents at the end of the season. Having Jackson and Floyd at his disposal will be a treat for Rivers, who threw for 4,710 yards last season.

Add veteran Patrick Crayton and third-round possession receiver Vincent Brown, and the Chargers’ receiving corps is stronger than it was expected to be.

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT

The Chargers couldn’t come to a contract agreement with inside linebacker Kevin Burnett. He was a priority for the team, but Burnett ended up being the one who got away from the Chargers, who otherwise enjoyed a strong free-agent period.

In the end, Burnett wanted more than San Diego was willing to offer, and he ended up signing with Miami.

Burnett had a good season for the Chargers in 2010, with 95 tackles and six sacks, and San Diego wanted him back as part of its 3-4 defense. Now a young player probably will be inserted opposite free-agent signee Takeo Spikes on the inside. Right now, 2010 draft pick Donald Butler (who missed all of his rookie year with an injury) is getting those repetitions with the first team. Second-round pick Jonas Mouton will have a chance to impress in the preseason too, and the Chargers could look for a veteran if the youngsters show they are not ready.

OBSERVATION DECK

• New defensive coordinator Greg Manusky -- who replaced Ron Rivera, now the head coach in Carolina -- lets his presence be known. He is a high-energy coach who is not afraid to bark instructions constantly. No need to worry about the San Diego defense falling flat after being ranked No. 1 in the NFL last year.
• Spikes has looked good. He is 34, but he played for Manusky in San Francisco last year and has Manusky's trust. Spikes has never played for a winner and seems energized by being part of this roster.
• Rookie free-agent quarterback Scott Tolzien has looked good in camp. The Wisconsin product is a smart player who may be a nice developmental prospect.
• The Chargers are not overly concerned about the foot injury hampering star tight end Antonio Gates, who started camp on the physically unable to perform list because of the plantar fascia injury that ended his 2010 season prematurely. The team will be cautious, and Gates is expected to be ready for the season.
• Louis Vasquez and Tyronne Green continue to vie for the right guard spot. Vasquez had been the starter, but Green proved to be a worthy injury replacement for Vasquez and now is hoping for more playing time.
• Sixth-round pick Jordan Todman is running the ball well. He could make a contribution as a rookie replacement for the departed Darren Sproles.
• Cornerback Antoine Cason is going to take over punt returns now that Sproles is gone.
• Defensive tackle Antonio Garay doesn’t look like a one-year wonder. He is having a strong camp after a huge season in 2010.
• The Chargers have loved what they've seen from rookie cornerback Marcus Gilchrist so far. He may have a chance to contribute.
• Last year, Chargers camp was dampened by the holdouts of Jackson and left tackle Marcus McNeill. This year, there is contract harmony after several players received new deals. It wouldn't surprise me to see Tolbert, Cason and center Nick Hardwick also get new deals in the next year.

This is the fifth in our series of position-by-position rankings. It is a little different this season because we’re ranking the players before free agency starts and before rosters are set. We will adjust accordingly as we go along. Onto to a solid group of offensive linemen:

1. Ryan Clady, Denver: Clady was a little rusty early last season due to an offseason knee injury. He is still an upper-echelon player and a cornerstone on a weak Denver team.

2. Nick Hardwick, San Diego: Cagey, tough veteran is the anchor of a strong line.

3. Kris Dielman, San Diego: Big, tough Pro Bowler who is a lot to handle for defensive tackles.

4. Marcus McNeill, San Diego: There’s a reason why the Chargers gave him a long-term deal. He solidifies this line.

5. Ryan Lilja, Kansas City: He was a great addition last year. He helped set the tone for a strong run game and is a real tough guy.

6. Brian Waters, Kansas City: He’s aging, but Waters is still near the top of his game. He’s a great leader.

7. Casey Wiegmann, Kansas City: The Chiefs hope to get one more season out of the steady Wiegmann.

8. Chris Kuper, Denver: He’s an underrated player who gives Clady a lot of help on the line.

9. Louis Vasquez, San Diego: The young guy on the Chargers’ offensive line has been a good fit.

10. Branden Albert, Kansas City: He’s a good, not great, player who needs to improve in 2011.

11. Jeromey Clary, San Diego: Everyone wants the Chargers to replace him, but he’s a gamer.

12. Jared Veldheer, Oakland: Veldheer has a chance to zoom up this list soon. I look forward to seeing him at left tackle for a full season.

13. J.D. Walton, Denver: He got great experience as Denver’s center last season and has potential.

14. Cooper Carlisle, Oakland: Oakland could replace him. But he always gives an honest effort.

15. Barry Richardson, Kansas City: Like Clary, everyone wants to replace him. But Richardson looks like he has another season in him with the Chiefs.

16. Zane Beadles, Denver: Like Walton, Beadles got a lot of great experience as a rookie last season. He’s not great, but he should get better.

Footnote: Veteran Ryan Harris (Denver) and Robert Gallery (Oakland) are expected to leave through free agency and that’s why they are not listed. We are not averse to listing rookies, but we are keeping promising rookies Stefen Wisniewski (Oakland), Orlando Franklin (Denver) and Rodney Hudson (Kansas City) and second-year player Bruce Campbell (Oakland) off this list. I simply want to see each of these guys play before ranking them.