ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — As they head into Sunday’s game at Kansas City against the AFC West rival Chiefs, the Denver Broncos know they have not solved their problems just because of a 39-36 win over Miami.

For one thing, their defense is banged up and could be without two starters: cornerback Aqib Talib and linebacker Brandon Marshall. Neither practiced Wednesday.

And hello, Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith and running back Jamaal Charles.

Denver is 2-3 away from Sports Authority Field at Mile High this year, and its two wins are over the Oakland Raiders and New York Jets, who are a combined 3-19.

Now, Kansas City, here they come.

“Away games, we always start flat,” wide receiver Demaryius Thomas said. “We’ve got to come out with the energy and start fast early. If we can do that, I think we’ll be fine.”

But pinpointing the reason for the poor play on the road is another story. The problems were different at each venue, but the results were the same: missed assignments, missed blocks and inconsistent play. Perhaps most damning of all is that the Broncos’ last two road losses, at New England and St. Louis, were by a combined 37 points.

“I can’t really say. It’s hard to say,” Thomas said when asked why the Broncos have lousy road starts. “Maybe we can figure something out.”

–As the Broncos’ primary blocking tight end, Virgil Green is rarely a target of quarterback Peyton Manning. In fact, he’s never caught a touchdown pass from Manning in the last three seasons.

“I’m going to get him that first touchdown pass. I’m going to do it. We’re going to do it,” Manning said. “It’s just a matter of time. So we’re on a mission there.”

For now, the Broncos and Green will content themselves with having him back from the calf injury that cost him three games and prevented the running game from finding much traction.

It was an aggravation of an injury first suffered in the preseason, which led the Broncos to exercise extreme caution.

“It’s very frustrating. A guy like me, I like to work. I don’t like to be sitting out. I don’t like to just watch other guys,” Green said. “Just sitting out, it hit me pretty hard. But at the same time, you realize how much you love this game and how much you appreciate all the opportunities. I was excited to get back.”

Manning and offensive coordinator Adam Gase were equally keen to get Green back in the lineup. The Broncos are 6-0 when he plays from start to finish and 2-3 when he is injured during the game or a game-day inactive.

“(Green) allows us to do more things from a personnel standpoint and formations,” Manning said. “He is a physical player and I thought his presence was felt on Sunday having him back out there.”

NOTES: Among those who did not practice Wednesday were LB Brandon Marshall (concussion), CB Aqib Talib (hamstring), CB Kayvon Webster (shoulder), RB Ronnie Hillman (foot), RB Montee Ball (groin). TE Julius Thomas (ankle) spent Wednesday’s practice working with a team trainer. … LB Danny Trevathan practiced for the first time since suffering a crack above his knee against the Jets on Oct. 12, but he is ineligible to come off injured reserve until Dec. 14.