Broncos Notebook: Elvis Dumervil's shoulder injury not as bad as last year

Elvis Dumervil had a sack and a forced fumble before injuring his shoulder Sunday. (US Presswire)

DE Elvis Dumervil did not practice for a second consecutive day, leaving his status for Sunday's game against the Chargers in doubt. But the best news for the Broncos is that his left shoulder strain doesn't appears to be as severe as the one he suffered last year that kept him out for two weeks at the beginning of the season.

"It's nowhere near," Dumervil said.

Dumervil expects to return to practice Friday.

"My goal is to play, that's what I've got to look toward (Friday), coming out and getting a good practice in and getting ready," he said.

"Rehab with Greek (Broncos head athletic trainer Steve Antonopulos) has been tremendous. I'm looking forward to (Friday) to try to get something out of it."

Nevertheless, expect the Broncos to be cautious with Dumervil, especially since they have 2010-11 starter Robert Ayers as a backup. Ayers had a sack, two passes defensed and two tackles for loss after Dumervil was injured in the first quarter at Carolina on Sunday.

"He should have had three sacks in the game," LB/DE Von Miller said. "The type of quarterback that Cam Newton is, he can wiggle out of some. But like I say, he should have had three sacks that game. He's been playing well."

A FINE MESS: Miller and DT Kevin Vickerson were fined for hits in the Broncos' 36-14 win over Carolina, The Denver Post reported.

Miller was fined $21,000 for a roughing-the-passer penalty in the fourth quarter, when he hit Panthers QB Newton low. Miller will appeal the fine.

Vickerson was fined $15,000 for a horse-collar tackle on Newton.

INJURY UPDATE: RG Chris Kuper (left-ankle sprain) was limited for a second consecutive day … CB Tracy Porter (seizure symptoms) did not practice but worked out on an adjacent field with a team trainer.