ENGLEWOOD, Colo. --The bruised ankle that wide receiver Demaryius Thomas suffered in practice Dec. 3 hindered him last Sunday against Buffalo -- and still bothered him Thursday, he admitted. But after practicing on a limited basis Thursday, he said he's doing better -- although not 100 percent.

"I can't say that now, but I'm good to go," he said.

Limited by the ankle injury, his two catches for 11 yards against Buffalo last Sunday represented his lowest tallies since going without a reception at San Diego on Nov. 27, 2011.

"It was a little tough," said Thomas. "I couldn't do all the stuff I wanted to but I got through and we got the win, and I think that's all that really matters."

Thomas was joined on the practice field by fellow wide receiver Wes Welker and running back C.J. Anderson, both of whom missed Wednesday's practice with ankle injuries. All practiced on a limited basis Thursday.

Anderson said he compensated for the practice repetitions he did not take Wednesday by focusing on mental preparation.

"You've got to get in the tape a little bit more, you've got to watch a little bit more," Anderson said. "Part of being a professional is putting yourself in a position (to contribute), even though you might not get the reps.

"I'll be ready to go Sunday. My ankle's feeling fine. I'm ready to rock and roll."

Anderson gained 58 yards and scored three touchdowns last Sunday in spite of hobbling off the field on multiple occasions. He said after the game that he first hurt the ankle a week earlier at Kansas City.

"Things happen. It kind of died, and then it comes back," Anderson said. "I just try to be a tough player, just try to show my teammates that you can count on me in these situations. I don't feel like I was hurt too much not to play. If I can go, I can go, and that's how it's going to feel this week, too."

The trio of offensive playmakers returned after sitting out Wednesday with various injuries: Thomas to his foot and Welker and Anderson to their ankles.

As they returned, the Broncos practiced without safety Quinton Carter (knee), tight end Jacob Tamme (ribs), running back Montee Ball (groin), wide receiver Cody Latimer (concussion) and offensive tackle Paul Cornick (toe sprain).

Carter was on hand watching his fellow safeties work, while Tamme stretched at the start of practice and Ball continued to work out with a team strength-and-conditioning coach.

Fellow running back Ronnie Hillman, who returned to practice on a limited basis after being out since Week 10, continued his work in individual drills Thursday.

Tight end Julius Thomas also continued to practice, albeit on a limited basis, which was also the case Wednesday and last week. , but said that this has been "a much better week" than recent ones that he has missed because of an ankle injury.

Cornerback Kayvon Webster (shoulder) and running back Juwan Thompson (knee) both saw limited work for a second consecutive day.

Danny Trevathan, who is still on injured reserve, also got work in with the linebackers. He is eligible to return this week, but he is not yet on the 53-man roster.

"I think he's looked pretty good getting back the last couple of weeks of practice," Defensive Coordinator Jack Del Rio said. "(Head) Coach (John) Fox will determine how much he plays, but I know there's a window there for him, and we'll see what Coach decides.

"But it's good to have all the healthy bodies we can, and Danny's obviously a good player, and it's great to have him back in the mix."

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