Mobley has pin inserted in injured thumb

ENGLEWOOD - Linebacker John Mobley had surgery Monday to place a pin in his broken right thumb, an injury suffered Sunday against the Seahawks.

Coach Mike Shanahan compared the injury to one that cornerback Darryl Pounds had earlier this season, causing Pounds to miss one game.

Ian Gold, Mobley's back up, separated his shoulder and might miss this week's game against New Orleans.

Without Mobley or Gold, Glenn Cadrez and Keith Burns will see a boost in playing time against New Orleans.

Other injuries appear less serious. Defensive Kavika Pittman had an MRI on his sore shoulder, which showed no damage but some inflammation.

Running back Terrell Davis, meanwhile, has told Broncos media relations officials that he will not be available to the media this week, and will not hold his normal weekly press conference Wednesday. Sound like a guy ready to jump back in the lineup?

THE POOP ON STINK: Guard Mark Schlereth hobbled through the Denver locker room Monday on crutches, just six days after surgery to his left knee. He'll be on crutches at least six weeks, and spends about 8 hours a day with his leg strapped into a machine that slowly bends his knee.

One thing he's not spending a lot of time doing is deciding whether or not to return for a 13th season. His contract ends with the end of the season.

"I'm going to wait until I get off the crutches and see how my knees feel before I make a definite decision," Schlereth said. "But obviously you contemplate every scenario.

GIVE HIM THE BALL: Shanahan was asked whether he might continue to put receiver Rod Smith in the backfield on occasion, as he did several times against the Seahawks. Why not? Smith had three carries for 78 yards, including a 50-yard touchdown.

"It was unexpected and there was an element of surprise, and you have to catch the right defense," Shanahan said. "And if not, you don't have a wide receiver anymore."

BRONCOS BITS: Asked to single out standout defensive players from Sunday, Shanahan named defensive tackle Keith Traylor, linebacker John Mobley, and cornerbacks Jimmy Spencer and Terrell Buckley. ... Shanahan said the team will keep Steve Lindsey on the roster to handle kickoffs "indefinitely." ... The team is off today and will return to practice Wednesday.

QUOTEWORTHY: Denver coach Mike Shanahan, after rambling in response to a question about the effect of the weather Sunday: "To answer your question, I can't really answer that."

Broncos notes

ESOTERIC STAT OF THE DAY: On 17 drives started inside Denver territory by Broncos opponents this season, the Broncos have yielded just two touchdowns and seven field goals.

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