National Football League

Brooking starts in place of Mays

Published Sep. 30, 2012 9:37 p.m. ET

foxsports

Veteran Keith Brooking is getting his first start for the Denver Broncos on Sunday with middle linebacker Joe Mays suspended for the game against the Oakland Raiders.

Linebacker Nate Irving (concussion) is among the Broncos' inactives, as is receiver Matt Willis (hamstring), meaning Bubba Caldwell was activated for the first time this season. Running back Knowshon Moreno was a healthy scratch for the second straight week.

Raiders receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey (head) and tight end Richard Gordon (hamstring) missed the game with injuries as did right tackle Khalif Barnes (groin).

Heyward-Bey did not practice all week as he recovered from a helmet-to-helmet hit that sent him to the hospital last Sunday with a concussion and strained neck. He leads Raiders wideouts with nine catches for 98 yards and a touchdown.

Willie Smith started in place of Barnes. Free safety Michael Huff replaced right cornerback Shawntee Spencer (foot) with Matt Giordano started in Smith's regular spot.