ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- After a gut-wrenching overtime loss to the New England Patriots in the early-morning hours Monday, the Broncos got a sliver of good news upon their return to Denver.

Running back Knowshon Moreno, who was on crutches after the game with a right ankle injury and was wearing a walking boot when he left Gillette Stadium, had an MRI exam Monday. Broncos interim coach Jack Del Rio said Moreno had a "bruised ankle" and the injury was "not significant."

Knowshon Moreno rushed for a career-high 224 yards Sunday against New England. Jared Wickerham/Getty Images

"Knowshon ... is day-to-day," Del Rio said. "I would say there's a good chance by the end of the week you'll see him on the practice field."

Whether that means Moreno could play Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium remains to be seen, but the Broncos hope he would be available if he gets into practice by the end of the week. Moreno had career bests in carries (37) and rushing yards (224) against the Patriots and powered the Broncos' offense on a frigid night that saw quarterback Peyton Manning throw for just 150 yards.

Moreno has 824 yards rushing this season to go with nine touchdowns and has been by far the most reliable running back for the team. Montee Ball, C.J. Anderson and Ronnie Hillman have all struggled with ball security. Ball and Anderson both fumbled Sunday night, with the Patriots recovering Ball's fumble at the Broncos' 32-yard line.

The Patriots scored a touchdown six plays later, igniting their comeback.

"We'll continue to call on our guys," Del Rio said. " ... We continue to bring the young guys along, and they'll continue to get time, and if they need more time ... we do believe they can help us as we go through the year."

Del Rio said cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, who suffered a shoulder injury trying to field a Hail Mary attempt by Patriots quarterback Tom Brady on the last play of the first half, was also "day-to-day" and could practice by late in the week as well.

"He had a chance to catch the ball and just banged his shoulder a bit," Del Rio said. "I think he's going to be fine."

Del Rio said he expected cornerback Champ Bailey (left foot), who has played in just two games this season, to play Sunday against the Chiefs and be a full participant in practice this week. Del Rio added that he expected tight end Julius Thomas (right knee), who missed Sunday night's game after practicing on a limited basis Thursday and Friday, to practice this week and play against the Chiefs as well.