Broncos Begin Raiders Prep Indoors as Injuries Mount on Defense and Offense
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. - With snow falling in the Denver area, the Broncos took their midweek practice indoors at the Pat Bowlen Fieldhouse - but not everyone was suited up. As the team begins preparations for Sunday’s rematch with the Raiders in Las Vegas, they’re already facing some key injury concerns, particularly on the defensive line and at tight end.
D.J. Jones Sidelined After Ankle Injury
Defensive tackle D.J. Jones was present but not participating on Wednesday, watching from the sideline without a helmet.
Jones is dealing with an ankle injury he suffered late in the fourth quarter of Denver’s dramatic 27-26 overtime win over the Raiders last Sunday. He didn’t return to the game after the injury and logged just 19 snaps - his lowest total of the season.
Jones has been a steady presence in the middle of Denver’s defensive front all year, and his absence would be a notable blow against a Raiders team that likes to establish the run early. His ability to clog lanes and occupy blockers has been a quiet but crucial part of the Broncos’ recent defensive resurgence. If he can’t go, Denver’s interior depth will be tested - and that’s not ideal against a physical Raiders offensive line.
Tight End Room Still Thin Without Adkins
On the offensive side, tight end Nate Adkins also remained out of practice. He’s still working his way back from a knee injury suffered in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s win. Head coach Sean Payton mentioned last week that there was a chance Adkins could return to the field this week, but that return hasn’t materialized yet.
The Broncos were already shorthanded at tight end last week, dressing only Adam Trautman and Evan Engram for the game against Washington. They opted not to elevate veteran Marcedes Lewis from the practice squad, despite the 41-year-old being available.
However, that decision wasn’t just about depth - the Broncos have already used the league-maximum three standard elevations on Lewis this season. That means if they want him active again, they’ll need to make a permanent move to the 53-man roster.
Lewis, the oldest player ever to suit up for the Broncos in a regular-season game, has provided veteran leadership and blocking prowess when called upon. But with Adkins still sidelined and the team hesitant to burn a roster spot, Denver’s tight end situation remains one to watch heading into Sunday.
Elijah Moore Joins the Fold
There was one new face on the field Wednesday: wide receiver Elijah Moore. The recently signed practice squad addition took part in his first practice with the Broncos, wearing No. 81.
While Moore’s role remains undefined for now, his presence adds another option to a receiving corps that’s seen its share of shuffling this season. Whether he’s simply depth or a potential contributor down the stretch, getting him acclimated now gives the Broncos flexibility as they navigate the final stretch of the season.
Looking Ahead
The Broncos are riding the momentum of a thrilling overtime win, but the injury report is already shaping up to be a factor in this week’s prep. With a divisional game on deck and playoff hopes still flickering, every body counts - especially in the trenches and at tight end, where matchups can swing on a single block or missed assignment.
As the week unfolds, all eyes will be on Jones and Adkins. Their availability - or lack thereof - could play a big role in how Denver attacks the Raiders on both sides of the ball.