Broncos missing Aqib Talib, Julius Thomas vs KC

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Broncos are without starting cornerback Aqib Talib and tight end Julius Thomas for a pivotal AFC West showdown with the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday night.

Talib is inactive after hurting his hamstring in last week's win over Miami. Thomas is out for the second consecutive week because of a left ankle injury.

Running backs Montee Ball (groin) and Ronnie Hillman (foot) had already been ruled out.

The Chiefs have wide receiver Donnie Avery, who had surgery for a sports hernia, back for the first time in seven weeks. They also have former Broncos defensive tackle Kevin Vickerson available after he hurt his calf in last week's loss in Oakland.

Wide receiver Junior Hemingway is out with a concussion.

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