ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — The Denver Broncos’ beleaguered defense got a boost Monday with the return of safety Quinton Carter, cornerback Tracy Porter and rookie linebacker Danny Trevathan.

Trevathan (ankle) had been out since Aug. 9, Porter (illness) since Aug. 14 and Carter since July 27, when he popped his right hamstring, which led doctors to discover he needed arthroscopic surgery on his left knee.

The second-year safety said he hurt his left knee in a game against New England on Dec. 18 but even though it grew more and more painful, MRIs hid the injury until last month.

Carter participated in individual drills but was held out of team drills. He said he felt better than he has in eight months and hopes to play Sunday against San Francisco.