Orlando Franklin returns to practice for Broncos

Left guard Orlando Franklin and safety David Bruton cleared the NFL-mandated concussion protocol and returned to practice for the Broncos on Wednesday as they prepare for their AFC divisional playoff game.

Both players were injured in the Week 17 victory over the Raiders. Bruton started in place injured safety T.J. Ward (neck strain), but left with one himself after a blind hit by Oakland’s Denico Autry. Bruton was wheeled off the field on a stretcher and immediately taken to a hospital, as the Broncos feared a diagnosis much more than a neck strain and concussion.

The Broncos practiced in full pads Wednesday — a first in a while for them — and outside in 19-degree whether to prepare for an expected cold matchup against the Colts at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on Sunday.


(denverpost.com)