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It’s been a rough week for the Denver Broncos, as the team has had to cope with the apparent suicide of wide receiver Kenny McKinley. The team is holding its own memorial service for McKinley today before this weekend’s showdown with the Indianapolis Colts, while a family funeral will take place in Georgia next Monday, reports The Denver Post. Teammates continue to express surprise over McKinley’s death, and one former squad member is so shocked that he wonders to The Washington Post whether there’s “something fishy” about the alleged suicide of a seemingly carefree, young man. The Denver Post’s Woody Paige also shares some thoughts on McKinley and the West’s high rates of suicide—including contemplating a desperate act of his own eight years ago.
The shift in focus back to on-field matters might be a good distraction for players and coaches, but the Broncos face the defending conference champions in the Colts, who have had Denver’s number in recent years (via ESPN). Sunday’s game in Denver will be an early test for the 1-1 Broncos and their defense against quarterback Peyton Manning’s team. But Denver may have to shut down Manning without some key players, including cornerbacks Champ Bailey and Andre Goodman, who are both recovering from injuries and are questionable to play (via the Associated Press).