Key trio miss Wednesday practice for the Denver Broncos

Peyton Manning, Wes Welker and Julius Thomas all sat out of Denver Broncos practice on Wednesday.

Although Manning participated in a team walkthrough, he was absent when the team practised reps, according to The Denver Post. The veteran quarterback had his ankle heavily strapped during the team's crucial win over the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.

Manning has not taken part in Wednesday practice - generally considered a key day before the weekend round of matches - since the middle of October.

Wide receiver Welker meanwhile is following NFL protocol after suffering a concussion injury last weekend, with Lindsay Jones of USA Today tweeting: "Welker headed to weight room area w/ strength coach after stretching period. A sign he's progressing in stages of concussion protocol."

Free-scoring tight end Thomas is struggling with a knee strain.

The Broncos lead the AFC West with a 9-1 record.