Cassius

Vaughn

Bailey pulled up lame while trying to chase down Darren McFadden in the fourth quarter Monday night. He did not return to the game. These kind of injuries tend to linger when you’re 33, so the Broncos may have to get Cassius Vaughn and Jonathan Wilhite coached up before next week’s game against the Bengals.

Eric Decker is a capable punt returner, but the Broncos want him to focus on offense. Although he’s known for his 125-catch 2011 season, Page had three kick and one punt return touchdowns at Toledo. Omar Bolden and Cassius Vaughn are the favorites to return kicks.

Vaughn, one of the Broncos’ top special teamers, went down after his 36-yard kickoff return. He was transported to the team bus by cart. Vaughn’s season is likely over.

Vaughn had not played on defense since getting smoked in coverage as Denver’s early-season nickel and dime back. He also wasn’t productive on special teams. Vaughn is signed for 2012, but will have to fight to make the roster.

An explosive kickoff return prospect who also chipped in a 55-yard pick six as largely a sub-package defensive back in Denver last year, Vaughn’s 2011 season ended with a fractured left fibula in November. He’s healthy now, and could push for significant snaps on a weak Indianapolis cornerback depth chart. Vaughn, 24, ran in the 4.3s at 5-foot-11, 195 at his Pro Day in 2010.

It’s a bad time to be starting replacement-level talents. With both Davis and nickelback Justin King (groin) out, Vaughn will be starting across from Jerraud Powers. Aaron Rodgers will have no trouble shredding this secondary.

Bailey is officially questionable for Sunday’s tilt with the Bengals, but did not practice all week. Cassius Vaughn should start in his place. Bailey’s absence would be a big break for rookie Bengals QB Andy Dalton, who needs all the help he can get, even against the Broncos.

“He’s proved that to us over time as far as his competitive nature on the field and his work ethic to get better every day,” said coach John Fox. “He’s starting to reap some of those benefits.” Along with safeties Quinton Carter and Rahim Moore, the Broncos will have three rookies on the field in their dime package.

Both Vaughn and Linkenbach are former undrafted free agents, meaning they could be signed away with no required draft-pick compensation under the $1.323 million tender. We wouldn’t expect teams to pursue either player, anyway.

Vaughn, still only 25, amassed 66 tackles and a three-yard pick six across 16 games last season, making 11 starts. He’s been pushed down the depth chart by the signing of Greg Toler and re-signing of slot cornerback Darius Butler, but Vaughn should have every opportunity to win Indianapolis’ dime back role. Vaughn also offers kick return value and made one 2012 tackle on special teams.