ENGLEWOOD, Colo. --After the Broncos struggled to contain Cincinnati running backs Jeremy Hill and Giovani Bernard last Monday, the sight of linebacker Brandon Marshall on the practice field was a welcome one for the Broncos -- even though he was limited to conditioning work.

Marshall worked out with team strength and conditioning coach Luke Richesson as the Broncos began their Christmas Day practice. It was the first time Marshall has been on the field since he sprained his foot against San Diego on Dec. 14.

"I think he's pretty much on schedule," Head Coach John Fox said. "We'll see what [Friday] brings. We'll get a full day. But he's making progress for sure."

Marshall was out of the walking boot within 48 hours of the injury and acknowledged last week that he would have to manage the pain when he returned.

"Especially at this time of the year, man, homestretch, playoffs," Marshall said on Dec. 18. "I don't think it will just come back 100 percent. But I think with the taping and the orthotic, I think it'll definitely help."

Marshall was the only Bronco listed as not practicing Thursday. The three players who missed Wednesday's work due to illness returned: linebacker Lamin Barrow, right guard Manny Ramirez and defensive tackle Mitch Unrein. Barrow and Ramirez had a full workload; Unrein was limited.

Running back Ronnie Hillman continued to progress and had his second consecutive full practice after being limited in recent weeks because of the sprained foot he suffered Nov. 9 at Oakland. Twelve other players had a second consecutive full practice but were listed on the injury report, a list highlighted by wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (ankle/hip) and quarterback Peyton Manning (thigh).

Offensive tackle Paul Cornick (toe), wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (hip) and safety T.J. Ward (neck strain) were limited for a second consecutive day. Ward did not wear a helmet while he went through individual drills as practice began.

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Emergency Room Care/ Denver ERs

HealthONE has 12 full-service emergency departments -- seven at our hospitals and five free-standing ERs. These include a Level I Trauma Center (adult and pediatric) at Swedish Medical Center; Level II Trauma Center at The Medical Center of Aurora; and Level III Trauma Center at Sky Ridge Medical Center. AIRLIFE-DENVER is our air medical transport serving facilities in an eight-state region.

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