Brandon Marshall benched vs. Chiefs

Posted Fri Jan 1st by Kyle

Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall reacts after catching a pass for a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders in the third quarter of an NFL football game in Denver on Sunday, Dec. 20, 2009. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

A few days after signs pointed to Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall being able to play Sunday despite a hamstring injury, head coach Josh McDaniels told reporters on Friday that the Pro Bowl wide receiver will be deactivated against the Kansas City Chiefs.

McDaniels said Marshall's deactivation is an accountability issue, and not because the hamstring injury will keep him out.

In fact, according to Frank Schwab of the Colorado Springs Gazette, McDaniels believes Marshall can play, but won't fight through a "slight" injury other players fight through regularly.

Meanwhile, based on McDaniels' reaction, CBS4 Denver's Vic Lombardi wonders aloud whether Marshall will ever play for the Broncos again.

If it's not one thing it's another with Brandon Marshall, and it seems Josh McDaniels just put his foot down. This has big-time implications for the Broncos' final game of the season, but even bigger implications as we look toward the offseason. The Broncos have told Marshall they will discuss a long-term contract after 2009 - this certainly doesn't help break the ice.