Paul Sancya/Associated Press

Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris Jr. is dealing with a shoulder injury suffered against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Jan. 17, but he will reportedly avoid surgery and will not miss time.

Continue for updates.

Harris Active vs. Patriots.

Sunday, Jan. 24

The Broncos confirmed Harris is available to play against the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game.

Harris Expected to Avoid Surgery

Sunday, Jan. 24

Rapoport reported Harris won't need surgery, though he has been suffering from a deep-tissue bruise in his shoulder that has required "24-hour treatment." He added that Harris has been struggling to brush his teeth and play with his two-year-old child due to the pain and overall weakness in his shoulder.

Latest on Harris' Practice Status

Thursday, Jan. 21

Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald reported Harris was a full participant in practice for the second consecutive day.

Harris Comments on Injury

Thursday, Jan. 21

Harris said he didn't suffer a setback after the divisional-round matchup with the Steelers, per James Palmer of NFL Network.

Elway, Kubiak Comment on Harris' Playing Status

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Thursday, Jan. 21

Broncos Vice President John Elway said Harris will be a game-time decision, per Adam Schefter of ESPN.

"He's making great progress, so we'll see," head coach Gary Kubiak said, per Nicki Jhabvala of the Denver Post.

Harris: My Shoulder Is 'Way Worse' Than Big Ben's

Sunday, Jan. 17

Palmer passed along what Harris had to say about his injured arm, which he compared to Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's. The star defensive back also added Bradley Roby will take the majority of snaps in his place moving forward.

This is a particularly discouraging self-diagnosis from Harris, because Roethlisberger was playing through torn ligaments and a sprained AC joint in his right throwing shoulder in Sunday's game.

Harris Is Major Cog in Denver's Strong Defense

Harris had a scare in the Broncos' 27-20 Week 17 win over the San Diego Chargers, when he dealt with a shoulder issue following a hit on Antonio Gates, but it didn't amount to much more than a stomach-churning moment for the AFC's No. 1 seed.

"He just hit that right spot like my shoulder pads didn't do a great job of blocking it at all," Harris said following the win, per the Denver Post's Cameron Wolfe. "He hit me straight on my little bone here, but I'm good I'll be back. I'll be straight."

Now the 26-year-old has changed his tune, which may be an ominous sign for Denver as it takes on quarterback Tom Brady and the New England Patriots in the AFC title game this weekend at Mile High.

In 16 games this season, Harris defended six passes and notched two interceptions while making 58 combined tackles en route to his second Pro Bowl selection. Harris played a team-leading 96.9 percent of Denver's defensive snaps this season, with fellow cornerback Aqib Talib right behind him at 89.1 percent, per Palmer.