Keith Brooking is expected to start over Joe Mays at middle linebacker on Monday night against the Chargers. Mays was suspended for Week 4 against the Raiders, and Brooking stepped in and helped hold Darren McFadden to 34 yards on 13 carries. Mays returned to his starting role last week against the Patriots, but the Denver defense gave up a whopping 35 first-downs. So, head coach John Fox is handing the defensive quarterback reins back to the veteran Brooking. Chargers running back Ryan Mathews should have a big night. According to Pro Football Focus, Mays has excelled against the run but struggles mightily in coverage.

Broncos LB Keith Brooking has passed his concussion tests. Brooking is practicing Thursday after gaining clearance from the team's doctors. He should continue to split snaps with Wesley Woodyard on the weak side.

Broncos LB Keith Brooking was forced from Sunday's game against the Patriots with a concussion, and will not return. Brooking had three tackles before departing. Coming off a brutal 2011 with the Cowboys, Brooking played just 28 snaps through Denver's first four games. He's week-to-week.

Broncos signed LB Keith Brooking, formerly of the Cowboys.

Cowboys executive VP Stephen Jones suggested this week that free agent ILBs Keith Brooking and Bradie James are unlikely to return for 2012. "They're great guys," said Jones. "Unfortunately, all good things come to an end. That's what we've got to decide." James should have an easier time finding a taker than Brooking, who wants to play one more year in his age-37 season.

The player rep for free agent LB Keith Brooking says his client intends to keep playing football in 2012. Brooking, 36, lost his job to Sean Lee in 2011 and was a major liability when the Cowboys needed him late in the year. While Brooking says he's open to a reduced role and salary, it'd probably be in Dallas' best interest to move on. Fellow free agent Bradie James would be a more likely candidate to return.

Cowboys ILB Sean Lee will start in place of Keith Brooking on Sunday. Brooking has started all but two games the past 10 seasons, but was limited to just one game during the preseason as he dealt with a hamstring injury. However, he is active this evening, and says he expects the Cowboys' inside linebackers to "split snaps close to even." Also making a surprise start for the Cowboys is LE Jason Hatcher, who is getting the call over Kenyon Coleman.

Cowboys ILB Keith Brooking resumed practicing Tuesday for the first time since suffering a hamstring injury in late July. Sean Lee played well enough in Brooking's place that the latter's role is uncertain. The Cowboys could start Brooking, have him split snaps evenly with Lee, or use a three-man rotation including Bradie James.

Cowboys ILB Keith Brooking could miss two weeks of training camp with a strained hamstring. Brooking strained the hammy while returning an interception in Friday's practice. The 35-year-old linebacker needed to stay healthy to ensure a Week 1 roster spot, so this may not bode well. 2010 second-round pick Sean Lee will work with the first team in the meantime. He is the future at Brooking's position.