Denver Broncos pass-rusher DeMarcus Ware is expected to return from a four-game absence against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, ESPN's Ed Werder reports.

Ware sat out the past four games with an ailing back and indicated he would be careful not to risk reinjury by returning too soon.

The Broncos have remained one of the NFL's fiercest defenses in Ware's absence and should only get better with the veteran back on the field.

Ware is expected to rotate snaps with rookies Shaq Barrett and Shane Ray. It won't be surprising if the Broncos ease the 33-year-old back into the mix slowly.