Head Coach Gary Kubiak had hoped to have Sanders back Thursday, but with the Pro Bowl wide receiver still recovering from the ankle injury he suffered at Indianapolis on Nov. 8, Kubiak opted to remain cautious and hold him out of the session.
Defensive linemen Antonio Smith (hip) and Vance Walker (shoulder) joined Sanders in missing practice. All of them played last Sunday but sat out Wednesday.
OLB DeMarcus Ware (back) and QB Peyton Manning (shoulder, rib cage and foot) also sat out Thursday.
Kubiak said Wednesday that he hopes Ware can do some on-field conditioning work before the week ends.