This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Englewood, Colo. • Denver Broncos coach John Fox has returned to work, less than a month after undergoing open-heart surgery to have his aortic valve fixed.

Fox missed the toughest stretch of the season before coming back Monday morning. During his absence, defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio guided the Denver Broncos (10-2) into first place in the AFC West by winning three of four games.

They won at San Diego and swept Kansas City, and in Del Rio's words, came "within an eyelash" of going 4-0. They lost 34-31 at New England two weeks ago.

Executive vice president John Elway presented Del Rio with a game ball after Denver's 35-28 win at Kansas City on Sunday.

Fox has no restrictions, but it's likely that he'll coach from the booth and not the sideline this Sunday against Tennessee.

———

AP NFL website: http://www.pro32.ap.org