One receiver leaves, three more return.

Just as the Broncos and Rams were finalizing a deal to send Brandon Lloyd to St. Louis, the Broncos began their first post-bye practice with receivers Demaryius Thomas and Eddie Royal and receiving tight end Julius Thomas on the field.

All three players have missed significant time with injuries this season. Royal participated in one practice last week before the bye.

Demaryius Thomas’ impending return is especially important considering Lloyd’s departure. Arguably the most physically gifted player in the Broncos’ receiving corps, the former first-round draft pick is expected to make his season debut Sunday at Miami, helping replace Lloyd as the team’s best deep threat. Thomas had surgery to repair an injured Achilles tendon in February and surgery to repair a broken pinky finger in early September.

Today marks only his third practice since last season.

The only player sitting out today’s practice is safety Brian Dawkins, who suffered a head/neck injury against San Diego on Oct. 9.

Lindsay H. Jones: 303-954-1262 or ljones@denverpost.com