Injuries Threaten To Derail AFC Contenders

Denver and San Diego have two of the better loaded rosters in the AFC, and they are expected to duke it out for AFC West supremacy -- maybe even for the conference championship.

For all they have in common, they also share a significant and growing concern.

The Broncos and Chargers entered training camp very thin at the receiver spot, which certainly isn't ideal with a second-year quarterback at the helm -- as both teams have.

The Chargers' situation got even worse when Eric Parker, the team's only established veteran receiver, was lost for 10 weeks to a broken toe. That cranks up the pressure on rookie first-round pick Craig Davis to push for the starting spot opposite Vincent Jackson sooner than later. And regardless, depth will be very thin until Parker returns.

Meanwhile, the Broncos were counting on Brandon Marshall to fill Rod Smith's shoes opposite Javon Walker. After being bothered by a quadriceps injury during minicamp practices, Marshall has continued to be sidelined by the injury during training camp.

Like the Chargers, the Broncos' options are fairly limited. They signed veteran Brandon Stokley to serve as the third receiver, and there isn't a legitimate NFL starter among Domenik Hixon, Brian Clark, David Kircus and Quincy Morgan.