Broncos WLB Wesley Woodyard sat out today's practice because of the ankle sprain he suffered in Sunday's win over the Bucs. Woodyard looks highly unlikely to be ready for Thursday night. That should mean more playing time for both MLB Keith Brooking and WLB fill-in D.J. Williams against the Raiders. According to Jeff Legwold of The Denver Post, Brooking stayed on the field in nickel situations after Woodyard's injury Sunday. Rookie Danny Trevathan was the other LB at times. Williams reportedly saw some of those snaps as well and played as the lone LB in dime packages. All of that indicates the Broncos weren't really sure what they should do with passing-down LBs. There figures to be a clearer plan against Oakland, but it'll be tough for us to know that plan ahead of time. None of the 3 will be a strong play. Williams probably carries a bit more upside than Brooking.

ESPN.com AFC West blogger Bill Williamson points out that Darren McFadden ran particularly well to the outside against Denver last year. He shares that McFadden tallied 12.2 yards per carry on 13 rushes to the left, 10.5 per carry on 8 runs to the right and just 2.9 yards per rush on 15 tries up the middle. With Wesley Woodyard filling in for injured WLB D.J. Williams, that tact will be even more inviting. Look for the Broncos to test Woodyard's side often and for the veteran backup to produce a surprisingly strong tackle total. He'll only be a temporary factor, but Woodyard is worth a Week 1 shot.