ENGLEWOOD, Colo. --Tight end Virgil Green, right tackle Donald Stephenson and outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware were not on the field as practice began Wednesday.
The absences of Stephenson and Ware were expected. Stephenson is likely to miss Sunday's game at Cincinnati because of a calf injury, and Ware underwent surgery for a fractured forearm Tuesday. But Green had been considered "day-to-day" after leaving the Week 2 win over the Colts in the fourth quarter because of a calf problem.
"I would say Virgil is ahead of Donald, but it's a day-to-day process," Head Coach Gary Kubiak said.
Inside linebacker Corey Nelson did not practice because of an ankle injury and was held out for precautionary reasons, Kubiak said.
All other Broncos players were on the field Wednesday, including safety Justin Simmons, whose left hand and wrist were heavily wrapped after he injured his wrist Sunday.
Look back at photos from the history between the Broncos and Bengals, including Brandon Stokley's miracle touchdown in 2009.
Linebacker Randy Gradishar eyes the Bengals quarterback during a game against Cincinnati at Mile High Stadium.
Steve Busick and Dennis Smith gang up on a Bengals ballcarrier.
Cornerback Steve Wilson picks off a Bengals pass during a September 2, 1984 win (20-17) over Cincinnati at Mile High Stadium.
Wide receiver Steve Watson leaves the field with Bengals receiver Cris Collinsworth after a September 2, 1984 win (20-17) over Cincinnati at Mile High Stadium.
Linebacker Karl Mecklenburg and other members of the Broncos defense nail a Bengals ballcarrier during a November 27, 1994 win (15-13) over Cincinnati at Mile High Stadium.
Linebacker Karl Mecklenburg wraps up a Bengals ballcarrier during a November 27, 1994 win (15-13) over Cincinnati at Mile High Stadium.
Denver: Ed McCaffrey looks to the end zone en route to a touchdown reception against the Cincinnati Bengals at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on September 21, 1997.
Denver Broncos in action against the Cincinnati Bengals at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on September 21, 1997.
Denver: Terrell Davis rushes the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on September 21, 1997.
Denver: Neil Smith sacks the quarterback as Alfred Williams scoops up the loose ball against the Cincinnati Bengals at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on September 21, 1997.
Denver: Ray Crockett makes a tackle against the Cincinnati Bengals at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on September 21, 1997.
Terrell Davis rushes the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals at Cinergy Field in Cincinnati, OH on November 1, 1998.
John Elway rolls out of the pocket against the Cincinnati Bengals at Cinergy Field in Cincinnati, OH on November 1, 1998.
Terrell Davis rushes the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals at Cinergy Field in Cincinnati, OH on November 1, 1998.
Rod Smith recovers an Ed McCaffrey fumble against the Cincinnati Bengals at Cinergy Field in Cincinnati, OH on November 1, 1998.
Ian Gold intercepts a Bengals pass attempt and returns the ball for a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio on September 7, 2003.
Mike Anderson makes a tackle on special teams against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio on September 7, 2003.
Jake Plummer fires a pass downfield against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio on September 7, 2003.
Rod Smith makes a reception against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio on September 7, 2003. Rod Smith on a reception against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio on September 7, 2003.
Deltha O' Neal returns a punt against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio on September 7, 2003.
Clinton Portis rushes the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio on September 7, 2003.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Javon Walker (84) goes high over Cincinnati Bengals' Dexter Jackson to pull in a 39-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter of their football game in Denver on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2006. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Denver Broncos' Mike Bell, right, salutes the fans as he is congratulated by teammate Rod Smith after Bell's 2-yard touchdown run in the third quarter of their football game with the Cincinnati Bengals in Denver on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2006. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Denver Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey, left, intercepts a pass intended for Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson during the first quarter of their football game in Denver on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2006. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Denver Broncos' Patrick Chukwurah (54), Al Wilson (56), Ian Gold (52), and Karl Paymah (41) celebrate after recovering the ball after a bad snap on an extra point attempt during the fourth quarter of a football game in Denver, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2006. Cincinnati Bengals kicker Shayne Graham (17) and Reggie Kelly (82) look on. The Broncos beat the Bengals 24-23. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
D.J. Williams rushes Carson Palmer during a fourth quarter series in the NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals September 13, 2009
Brandon Stokley celebrates with teammates after scoringwith 11 seconds remaining on a tipped pass reception for 87 yards in the NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium September 13, 2009
Brandon Stokley glances at Dhani Jones as he heads to the end zone scoring with 11 seconds remaining on a tipped pass reception for 87 yards in the NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium September 13, 2009
LMont Jordan gains 4 yards on a carry off left guard in the fourth quarter of the NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals September 13, 2009
Brian Dawkins moves into tackle Brian Leonard on a Bengals play in the first quarter in the NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals September 13, 2009
Denver Broncos Eric Decker makes a reception and scores a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals in the fourth quarter of the NFL game September 18th, 2011 at Sports Authority Field in Denver CO.
Denver Broncos Joe Mays and Jonathan Wilhite tackle Cincinnati Bengals Cedric Benson in the first half of the NFL game September 18th, 2011 at Sports Authority Field in Denver CO.
Denver Broncos Willis McGahee (23) salutes the fans and celebrates with teammates after scoring on a 1-yard run in first quarter action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game September 18, 2011 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver,CO.
Denver Broncos Kyle Orton (8) fires under pressure from Cincinnati Bengals Rey Maualuga (58) in fourth quarter action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game September 18, 2011 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver,CO.
Denver Broncos Von Miller sacks the Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton in the second half of the NFL game September 18th, 2011 at Sports Authority Field in Denver CO.
Denver Broncos Willis McGahee rushes the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals in the second half of the NFL game September 18th, 2011 at Sports Authority Field in Denver CO.
Denver Broncos Brian Dawkins (20) flashes one-and-one fingers to the fans after Denver defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 24-22 in the NFL game September 18, 2011 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver,CO.
Denver Broncos linebacker Wesley Woodyard (52) tackles Cincinnati Bengals half back Brian Leonard during fourth quarter action against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday Nov. 4, 2012 at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by: Gabriel Christus)
Cincinnati Bengals Vontaze Burfict (55) makes a diving tackle for Denver Broncos running back Lance Ball (35) on a 7 yard catch-and-run during first quarter action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, OH November 4, 2012.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) passes on Denver's third series during second quarter action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, OH November 4, 2012.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Eric Decker (87) goes air borne fighting for extra yardage on a 5 yard reception during third quarter action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, OH November 4, 2012.
Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) does a dance after sacking Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) during second quarter action against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday Nov. 4, 2012 at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by: Gabriel Christus)
Denver Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey (24)catches an interception meant for Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J Green during fourth quarter action against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday Nov. 4, 2012 at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by: Gabriel Christus)
Denver Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey (24) sets up to defend Cincinnati Bengals A.J. Green (18) during first quarter action in the NFL game at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, OH November 4, 2012.
110912-ConiferFB-Lakewood, Colorado-against Northridge High School on Nov. 4, 2012 at Trailblazer Stadium. Photo by Gabriel Christus/Photo Editor/Evergreen Newspapers
Denver Broncos wide receiver Trindon Holliday (11) returns the ball for a touchdown on a kickoff during third quarter action against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday Nov. 4, 2012 at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by: Gabriel Christus)
Denver Broncos tight end Joel Dreessen (81) celebrates his 1 yard touchdown reception with Jacob Tamme (84) during fourth quarter action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, OH November 4, 2012.
Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) hits Cincinnati Bengals quarterback AJ McCarron (5) as he throws the ball during overtime action in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.
Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) pushes off Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Adam Jones (24) for a 4 yard gain during third quarter action in the NFL game in Denver, Colo. December 28, 2015. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris Jr. (25) breaks up a deep pass intended for Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) during fourth quarter action in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) celebrates a touchdown on an 8 yard reception during third quarter action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jordan Norwood (11) returns a punt 14 yards during fourth quarter action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.
Denver Broncos defensive end Derek Wolfe (95) celebrates his sack of Cincinnati Bengals quarterback AJ McCarron (5) for a 5 yard loss during fourth quarter action in the NFL game in Denver, Colo. December 28, 2015. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos tight end Owen Daniels (81) celebrates after catcheing a 26 yard pass for a first down on a Denver 4th quarter drive against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game in Denver, Colo. December 28, 2015. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos defense during third quarter action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.
Denver Broncos defensive end DeMarcus Ware (94) celebrates a game-ending fumble recovery during overtime action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.
Denver Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib (21) breaks up a pass intended for Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) during first quarter action in the NFL game at Paul Brown Stadium Cincinnati, Ohio. September 25, 2016.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) celebrates his 55-yard touchdown with Emmanuel Sanders (10) during fourth quarter action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Paul Brown Stadium Cincinnati, Ohio. September 25, 2016.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) hauls in a 55-yard for a touchdown as Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Chris Lewis-Harris (37) attempts to defend during fourth quarter action in the NFL game at Paul Brown Stadium Cincinnati, Ohio. September 25, 2016.
Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian (13) dives on a scramble for 5-yards during first quarter action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Paul Brown Stadium Cincinnati, Ohio. September 25, 2016.
Denver Broncos defensive end Derek Wolfe (95) attempts to block a Cincinnati Bengals placekicker Mike Nugent (2) 34-yard field goal during fourth quarter in the NFL game at Paul Brown Stadium Cincinnati, Ohio. September 25, 2016.
"Right now we're just taking it day by day," he said. "They just have me running around out there and seeing how it feels. We'll see when it comes to game time."
Simmons played nearly the entire Colts game with the injury.
"It was just one of those freak accidents. My hand got caught in another guy's face mask," Simmons said. "It wasn't totally bothersome. I played with the rest of the game. Now it's just about making sure the bones heal right and that it's not an injury that keeps you out even longer."
Tight end Jeff Heuerman and offensive lineman Ty Sambrailo also continued to work. Both were inactive last Sunday, but Head Coach Gary Kubiak said Monday that both were healthy enough to play if they had been needed.
Wide receiver Bennie Fowler was also at practice, still wearing a brace on the right elbow he fractured on Aug. 11.
