National Football League

Ihenacho held out, Bailey hopeful

Published Sep. 26, 2013 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Broncos safety Duke Ihenacho was held out of practice Thursday along with backup linebacker Paris Lenon.

Ihenacho sprained his right ankle two weeks ago and tweaked it Monday night against Oakland. Lenon has a sore thigh.

Cornerback Tony Carter, who sprained his right ankle against the Raiders, returned on a limited basis, and Champ Bailey, who's missed the first three games with a sprained left foot, also was limited.

Bailey said he hopes to make his debut Sunday against the speedy Philadelphia Eagles but won't push it if he's not 100 percent: ''This is the NFL. You can't go out there half-stepping and expecting to get the job done.''

Bailey said he feels better this week, ''but I need to feel a little bit better to get out there.''