Denver’s Week 9 injury picture is starting to take shape, and the Broncos could be without three key defenders when they head to Carolina.
Starting safety Brandon Jones, defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike and cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine all missed practice for a second straight day Thursday, leaving each one trending toward inactive status for the matchup with the Panthers. Jones is dealing with a hamstring injury suffered in last week’s win over the Chiefs, Uwazurike is still working through a shoulder issue, and Abrams-Draine remains sidelined by an ankle injury. All three would need to get in at least a limited session Friday to have any shot at playing.
There was better news elsewhere on Denver’s report. Talanoa Hufanga, the Broncos’ other starting safety, moved from DNP to limited on Thursday, opening the door for a return after missing the last three games with an ankle injury of his own.
Wide receiver Courtland Sutton and defensive end Zach Allen were also upgraded to full after resting Wednesday, and both are set to be active in Week 9. WRs Jaylen Waddle (chest) and Pat Bryant (ankle) were full participants too, with Bryant on track to return from a four-game absence because of an ankle injury.
If Jones can’t go, Taylor Rapp would likely step into the starting safety spot in Carolina. If Hufanga also remains out, Devon Key or JL Skinner would be the next options alongside Rapp. Skinner, in particular, turned in a strong performance in last week’s comeback win over the Chiefs.
At defensive end, a scratch for Uwazurike would likely push Sai’vion Jones into the starting lineup opposite Allen, while third-round rookie DL Tyler Onyedim could be in line to make his NFL debut.
If Abrams-Draine is unavailable, second-year corner Jahdae Barron could see more snaps behind Patrick Surtain II, Riley Moss and Ja’Quan McMillian.
On the Carolina side, five players did not practice: OLBs Jaelan Phillips and Trevis Gipson, CB Will Lee, OG Damien Lewis and LB Bobby Okereke. Quarterback Bryce Young, though, was a full participant with an ankle injury and is set to play against the Broncos.
“You’ve definitely seen his ascension, and he’s very comfortable with what they’re doing,” Broncos head coach Sean Payton said of Young on Wednesday. “It’s an explosive team.
I think they’re seventh or eighth in explosives. They do a great job mixing the play action, the ‘RPO’ (Run-Pass Option) game.
They’ve drafted well. So all those numbers are different today than they were two years ago.”
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Broncos Suddenly Have A Big Defensive Question Before Sunday
Talanoa Hufangas return to practice offered the Broncos a timely bit of relief this week, even if it came in a limited role. The starting safety had been sidelined since his Week 5 ankle injury, forcing Denver to lean on backup safeties for three games while the secondary adjusted on the fly.
His presence back on the field at least opens the door for Sundays matchup with the Carolina Panthers, where Denver would love to have one of its key defensive pieces available again. The timing matters, too, because the Broncos are still waiting to see whether Hufanga can do enough in the coming days to move from practice participation to game readiness. [Read more 🡒]
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Broncos Backfield Twist Just Changed Denvers Trade Deadline Picture
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RJ Harveys injury has changed that calculus in a meaningful way. With Harvey now on injured reserve, Denver can still look to add another running back, but the idea of Dobbins being dealt has faded, and he is now expected to stay put as a backup if the Broncos do make a move before the deadline. [Read more 🡒]