August 24, 2010 5:03p.m. MDT

Finally the Denver Broncos have good news on the injury front with head coach Josh McDaniels announcing the return of multiple players to practice on Tuesday.

Running back Correll Buckhalter, cornerback Champ Bailey, linebacker D.J. Williams, wide receiver Demaryius Thomas, and offensive lineman Chris Kuper, all rejoined their teammates in the full-pads session according to coach McDaniels.

In regards to Buckhalter, sources told Fox31’s Josina Anderson that the ten-year veteran was told early last week by team doctors that they felt he was sufficiently healed to practice, but left the final determination to the running back as to when he was ready and comfortable to come back.

Part of Buckhalter’s precaution is rooted in the fact that he and the Broncos have been keeping a watchful eye on a protruding disc in his back. This injury pre-existed before the back injury he suffered in the team’s first full-squad training camp practice Aug. 1, but was likely aggravated at that time.

Buckhalter told Fox31 after the team’s walk-through Tuesday that he understands playing hurt is part of the game.

”In this league you are never one hundred percent.  Once you enter the NFL, those days of being one hundred percent are over; most guys can attest to that, you’re going to feel something.  I’m hoping to work my way back in and go from there. I got to ease back into it and get my body back in shape," said Buckhalter. 

 Buckhalter’s representative has said all along to Fox31 that he’s confident his client will be fine, although he agrees the cautious route is the correct one to take to maintain that status.

“We remain precautious and we anticipate that he will return to full status very soon,” said Buckhalter’s agent, J.R. Rickert to Anderson Tuesday afternoon.

The Broncos definitely need Buckhalter’s services. He and a healthy Knowshon Moreno present the best one-two punch option for Denver with the way the roster currently stands.

Last season Buckhalter started seven out of 14 games for the Broncos recording 642 yards on 120 carries and one touchdown.