Elvis

Dumervil

A fourth-round pick in 2006, Dumervil spent his first seven seasons with the Broncos, recording 63.5 sacks despite missing a year with a pectoral injury. He had 17 sacks in 2009 to earn his first All-Pro nod. Dumervil had a successful run in Baltimore after that, notching 35.5 more sacks in four seasons including another 17-takedown campaign in an All-Pro effort in 2014. Dumervil finishes his career 26th on the all-time sack list with 105.5.

Dumervil originally hurt the shoulder in practice, and then appeared to aggravate it in the first quarter against Oakland. Jason Hunter took over in the base defense, with Dumervil coming on in pass-rushing situations only. One of game’s premier sack artists missed the entire 2010 season with a pectoral tear.

“Elvis was fine,” said Fox. “He just aggravated it during the game.” Consider Dumervil day-to-day and likely to play against the Bengals this week.

Dumervil made it through practice setback free this week, and will be active for the first time since Week 1. Now the challenge will be staying on the field for a player who has missed 18 of Denver’s past 19 games with injury.

“Had to get back to what I know best,” he said. Dumervil played last season at 260, and now weighs 250 pounds at 5-foot-11. Dumervil still managed 9.5 sacks in 14 games. Expect him to flirt with double-digit sacks again in 2012.

Dumervil has been active for only five games with nagging shoulder and ankle injuries that have impacted his ability to get to the corner with his signature up-and-under move. Dumervil will look to get on the board against Raiders left tackle Jared Veldheer this week.

Dumervil was in a walking boot early in the week, so he won’t be at full strength against a burnable left tackle in Jeff Backus. This is still a great matchup for Matthew Stafford and the Lions’ passing attack.

Barwin and rookie Brooks Reed kept the pressure on opposing passers even with Mario Williams out for the season. “He’s been exceptional,” coach Gary Kubiak said of Barwin. ... Connor has got a brilliant future ahead of him ... he’s been a big, big leader on our football team and we’re all very proud of him.”

Probable for Saturday’s Divisional Round game, Dumervil will play, but could be limited as the Broncos look to disrupt the Patriots’ sophisticated passing attack. Dumervil notched a sack and forced fumble in last week’s upset of the Steelers. The Broncos will have little chance of pulling off another stunner if they aren’t getting consistent pressure from Dumervil and OLB Von Miller.

Dumervil was driving with a friend in South Beach when another car cut them off. An argument ensued with horn blowing, verbal threats and name calling, according to police. The accusers and a witness both say that Dumervil and his friend then approached the other car, each lifting up their shirts to display guns. When police arrived, Dumervil was asked if there was a gun in his car and he “stated no.” Once the gun was found in the glove department, he was taken to jail on a charge of assault with a deadly weapon. The two-time Pro Bowler could be facing league discipline -- especially if formal charges are filed.