Kansas City, Mo. ? Pro Bowl guard Brian Waters should be back in time for Thursday night’s game against Denver, Kansas City coach Herm Edwards said Tuesday.

Pro Bowl tight end Tony Gonzalez, out one game because of a shoulder injury, is also looking like he could be ready for the Thanksgiving night game, the inaugural telecast of a game for the NFL Network.

Gonzalez has been sorely missed. His 8,398 yards receiving are second among NFL tight ends only to Shannon Sharpe.

The only starter who figures to be out for sure at this point is right tackle Kevin Sampson.

Waters had missed two starts with a knee injury, which still has a heavy brace.

“Veteran guys know at this time of the year if you have a chance to get into the playoffs, it’s important that you’re available,” said Edwards. “The players like this type of atmosphere. Good players like this kind of atmosphere. They like to be in the hunt. That’s what makes this thing all fun.”

Edwards said he was not surprised Waters was able to get back so quickly from a knee injury that many initially feared could sideline him at least a month.

“He worked very, very hard at getting back. He was here every day, twice a day. He’s one of the team leaders, and he knows this time of the year your good players have to be available for you.”

Kansas City quarterback trent green talks with receiver Eddie Kennison. Green returned to the lineup for Sunday's 17-13 victory against Oakland. Fellow starters Tony Gonzalez, Brian Waters, Derrick Johnson and Greg Wesley all could return from injuries for Thursday's game against Denver in Kansas City, Mo. Wesley is not listed on the injury report, while Waters is probable, and Gonzalez and Derrick Johnson are questionable.

The Chiefs (6-4) could catch the Broncos (7-3) for second place in the AFC West with a victory. In their first meeting this year in Denver, Trent Green had just gone out with a concussion that would sideline him for 10 weeks. Damon Huard, playing on a short leash, hardly tried to throw downfield in a game the Broncos, also playing tentatively, won 9-6 in overtime.

Green, a two-time Pro Bow quarterback, returned last week against Oakland and directed an 80-yard game-winning march in the final minutes.

“When you start off in March and you have expectations to be there and now it comes to fruition that you have a chance, that’s all you can ask,” Edwards said. “This team has done a good job of weathering some storms early. We’ve gotten ourselves in position where if you continue to win, you’ve got a chance.”

The Broncos will be getting a close look at a standout running back for the second week in a row. Last week, San Diego rallied for a 35-27 victory in Denver behind LaDainian Tomlinson’s four touchdowns, three of which came in the second half.

This week, the Denver defense will be confronting Larry Johnson, who had 154 yards rushing and two touchdowns against Oakland and ranks third in the NFL with 138.8 yards from scrimmage.

Johnson bristled at the suggestion that the Thursday night stage could make him a star.

“I don’t have to make myself. I’ve done that. I don’t need to do it on this Thursday game.”