Duke

Ihenacho

An undrafted free agent, Ihenacho has spent the majority of 2012 bouncing back and forth between the active roster and practice squad. He has one tackle in two games. He’ll likely be back later this season.

Ihenacho has shuffled between the active roster and practice squad since late September. An undrafted free agent, he recorded 268 tackles with seven interceptions during his 47-game career at San Jose State.

Ihenacho left in the third quarter with the Broncos up comfortably 30-7. He injured his ankle in Week 2 against the Giants and was carted off the field, so it could be an aggravation. Mike Adams is the next man up at strong safety.

Ihenacho beat out Mike Adams for the starting job in training camp. Adams came in to replace him midway through the fourth quarter.

He’s listed as questionable and will be a game-time decision. This could be a key loss for Denver, as Ihenacho has been an impact run-stopping safety in the box. The Broncos do have a quality reserve in 2012 starter Mike Adams.

Ihenacho was a true game-time call that’s going to gut it out. It’s good news for the Broncos as they’ll be without Champ Bailey (foot) once again.

Carter has been dealing with knee problems since early last season. He had microfracture surgery then had a setback during camp. Duke Ihenacho is the favorite to start at strong safety for the Broncos this year.

Ihenacho and veteran Mike Adams were competing for the job. Ihenacho started the final three preseason games and graded out as Pro Football Focus’ No. 18 safety this preseason out of 158 qualified players. At 6-foot-1, 210, Ihenacho is a true in-the-box safety who does his best work against the run.

The Broncos are holding an open competition, and Ihenacho, incumbent starter Mike Adams, David Bruton, and Quentin Jammer are all in the mix. Ihenacho has picked off a couple of passes in practice. He’s spent much of the last two seasons on the practice squad and has appeared in just two career games.

Ihenacho took a helmet-to-helmet hit from teammate Wesley Woodyard in the second quarter. He was taken to the locker room to undergo further tests, but has been cleared to return to the game.