The Denver Broncos get healthy before the playoffs. Most teams, even those that make the playoffs, are fighting for their lives this late in the season when it comes to fending off the threat of injury.

With the return of cornerback Riley Moss, the Broncos are back in shape. The question is whether it will give the defense the healing and confidence boost that has seemed to be missing since he left the lineup with a knee injury in Week 12.

The Broncos made some attacks on defense (I’m looking at you, Nik Bonitto), but it wasn’t the same stingy, suffocating unit as it was with Moss in the lineup. Who would have ever thought that a player would be so crucial to the team’s future prospects and his name wasn’t Patrick Surtain II?

Now it is Cincinnati BengalsThe final injury report for Week 17 looks as you would expect. One injured player after another.

Let’s look at the latest injury reports from both teams.

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analysis: Actually Moss is back, eh confirmed by head coach Sean Payton on Tuesday. More good news is that the Broncos also get back their No. 2 running back, McLaughlin, who missed last week’s action.

Franklin’s ankle is worth keeping an eye on, but fortunately the Broncos’ receiving corps is healthy heading into these final two crucial games.

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analysis: Burrow is broken. The Bengals didn’t protect him well despite his MVP-level performance. But the Broncos can’t sleep on him. Yes, Burrow is listed, but Denver needs to prepare as if he wasn’t even mentioned.

However, Burrow will be vulnerable against the Broncos’ elite pass rush. His wrist injury is to his throwing hand, so it will be interesting to see how and if that comes into play on Saturday.

Higgins’ injury is also something to keep an eye on. As Burrow’s second most popular target, Higgins plays a large role in the Bengals’ offensive plans. Higgins will probably make it, but he’s not 100%.

If the Football Gods ever tried to send a message to Coach Payton, I’m not sure they could be as strident as they were this week, screaming at the Broncos to run the ball, despite all the injuries and illnesses that Cincinnati’s defense haunts front. Let’s hope Payton has eyes to see and ears to hear.

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