Jacob Tamme

For the first time since his injury Broncos TE Julius Thomas was in uniform for a game, but he did not play a snap in the Broncos' 24-17 victory. Following the game Broncos head coach John Fox said Thomas could have played if the Broncos needed him.

Monday, Fox was asked how the decision was made to put Thomas in uniform, rather than make him a gameday inactive, and then not play the league's leader in touchdown receptions in the game.

"Just like every week, we have 53 men on the roster and we have to pick 46 to be active for the game," Fox said. "You have to sign documents, there is all kind of paperwork. There are guys who work out before games to see how they look and how they feel. We picked him as one of the 46."

Against the Bills, tight end Jacob Tamme played with a rib injury he had suffered in the Broncos' win in Kansas City the week before. Tamme was clearly limited by the injury and played just nine snaps in the game after taking a big hit on a reception just before halftime that resulted in a fumble.

Thomas had spent more than 30 minutes stretching, jogging and running some short routes for backup quarterback Brock Osweiler before last week's game the story said. It went on to say that last week Thomas said the injury to the left ankle is "nothing like" his previous ankle troubles, and he said he has good and bad days. Even with the team running the ball more, the story points out they've missed Thomas in the passing game as teams are now focusing their attention on wide receiver Demaryius Thomas. Even if Julius Thomas is active again this week, owners will now be left to wonder if he gets on the field.