The Denver Broncos are making a key adjustment in their secondary after placing safety Brandon Jones on injured reserve with a pectoral injury. Stepping into the starting role alongside Talanoa Hufanga is veteran P.J. Locke-a name Broncos fans should get familiar with, if they haven’t already.
Locke came in for Jones during the second half of Sunday’s win over the Packers and didn’t miss a beat. Head coach Sean Payton was quick to praise the fifth-year safety’s performance after the 34-26 win, calling it “real well” and noting Locke’s experience. And that experience runs deep.
Since joining Denver in 2019, Locke has quietly built a solid resume. He’s logged 23 career starts, including 15 last season, and has been a reliable presence on special teams.
This year, he’s played over half of the special teams snaps but has seen just 5% of the defensive reps-until now. With Jones sidelined, Locke is expected to step into a much larger role, and the timing couldn’t be more meaningful.
This isn’t just a next-man-up story. Locke’s return to the field in a starting capacity is particularly notable considering what he’s overcome.
He underwent spinal fusion surgery during the offseason-an intense procedure that often raises questions about a player’s future. For Locke to not only return but now potentially anchor the back end of the defense is nothing short of impressive.
There’s also a wildcard in the mix: Jahdae Barron. The Broncos’ first-round pick back in April has been primarily working out of the slot corner spot this season, but he does bring some versatility with experience at safety. While Locke is expected to take the bulk of the reps, don’t be surprised if Barron gets sprinkled into the rotation, especially in sub-packages or when the Broncos want to mix up their looks.
For a Broncos defense that’s been trying to find its rhythm all season, this move could bring some much-needed stability. Locke knows the system, has the trust of the coaching staff, and now has a shot at making a real impact down the stretch.