Kuper downgraded for Broncos-Raiders

By ARNIE STAPLETON

DENVER (AP) Denver Broncos right guard Chris Kuper has been downgraded to questionable for Thursday night's game at Oakland with a sprained ankle.

Kuper was listed as probable during the week but was downgraded Thursday morning. Manny Ramirez would replace him in the lineup against the Raiders if he can't play.

Kuper is the Broncos' top offensive lineman, but he's made just six starts this year. He missed the first four games with a broken forearm and missed two other games with a sprained ankle.

The Broncos will be without their top tackler, weakside linebacker Wesley Woodyard, who stayed back in Denver with a sprained left ankle. D.J. Williams is expected to start in his place with rookie Danny Travathan also getting some snaps in Woodyard's absence.

Online: http://pro32.ap.org/poll and http://twitter.com/AP-NFL

Updated December 6, 2012