Broncos DE Robert Ayers has taken a leave of absence after the Saturday night passing of his father, Robert Sr. Robert Sr.'s passing was unexpected, and Robert Jr. led the Broncos out of the tunnel ahead of Sunday's win over the Chiefs, going on to play with a heavy heart. Although Ayers is no longer a starter along Denver's defensive front, he is a key role player and "wave" lineman. He has a sack and 12 tackles on the year.

Robert Ayers has lost his starting left defensive end job to Jason Hunter. Although the 2009 first-rounder has been a stout run defender, he's provided no semblance of a pass rush through three seasons. Hunter has earned more snaps with a physical camp, but he's going to be pushed by fast-rising second-round DT Derek Wolfe, who is seeing plenty of action at defensive end.

Broncos DL coach Wayne Nunnely announced his retirement from football. Nunnely was set to enter his fourth season as Broncos defensive line coach after 12 years in the same role with the division rival Chargers. Denver's front four experienced a major leap in 2011 under Nunnely's tutelage, so he will be missed. They're turning to assistant Jay Rodgers to replace him.

Broncos LE Robert Ayers' three sacks in his past two games are as many as he tallied through his first 41 career games. The Broncos' 2009 first-round pick was able to take advantage of an injury-ravaged Steelers' offensive line for two sacks in Denver's Wild Card upset. Ayers graded out as just the 43rd best 4-3 defensive end by Pro Football Focus this season, but was able to somewhat offset his ineffectiveness as a pass rusher by standing tall against the run. Ayers is under contract for an affordable $965,000 in what will be a make-or-break 2012.