The Denver Broncos are not expected to have S Brian Dawkins when they host the Pittsburgh Steelers in Sunday's Wild Card game. Dawkins has a neck injury and the Denver Post reports the Broncos Friday injury report is expected to confirm he's unlikely to play.
Dawkins has had a lingering neck issue that caused trouble for him down the stretch. He's missed part or all of the last four games and hasn't practiced in several weeks. Not practicing all week is a good indication he's not going to play.
Dawkins is obviously a very important part of the Broncos defense, a defense that has been integral in coming back from a 1-4 start. David Bruton will likely play in place of Dawkins.
The Broncos host the Steelers on Sunday at 4:30 p.m. (ET) on CBS. Check out the rest of the 2012 NFL playoffs schedule.
Check out Behind The Steel Curtain for the latest on the Steelers and Mile High Reportfor the latest on the Broncos, and head on over to the SBNation NFL news hub for everything you need to know about the 2012 playoffs.