There’s good news on the Chris Harris injury front.

Harris told Brandon Spano Tuesday that his shoulder feels “way better” than it did last week at this time.

“I’m gonna fight through it,” Harris said. “Unless I have a setback, I should see full reps this week, not limited.”

Harris’s availability for Sunday’s game will be a huge factor.

This matchup can't be overstated. #broncos need Harris to play significant snaps. He excels in slot coverage https://t.co/0HIBJuynfj — Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) January 19, 2016

A healthy Harris will be key to Denver’s ability to slow down Patriots slot receiver Julian Edelman.

Expectation is Chris Harris won't be able to use his hands as much vs Edelman at the line bc of his shoulder. Having to play off is trouble — James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) January 19, 2016

Meanwhile, New England is also battling injuries on defense.

The Patriots placed linebacker Jerod Mayo on their injured reserve list Tuesday. Fellow linebackers Dont’a Hightower and Jamie Collins are also recovering from injuries, making New England slim at the position.

Denver will host New England in the AFC Championship game this weekend.

Some have questioned if the Broncos offense is good enough to beat the Patriots, but that probably shouldn’t be the story line this week. Denver’s defense will likely decide this game, as they have so many other times this season.

Harris’s health status could be the difference on Sunday.