With kickoff just around the corner on Christmas Day, the Denver Broncos are finalizing their lineup ahead of a divisional clash against the Kansas City Chiefs. And while the holiday spirit might be in the air, the Broncos are arriving in Missouri a bit short-handed.
Denver’s Week 17 Inactives: Key Absences on Both Sides of the Ball
The Broncos will be without a few notable contributors, particularly on offense and special teams, as injuries continue to shape the team’s depth chart late in the season.
Wide receiver Pat Bryant remains sidelined due to a concussion, a tough blow for a Denver offense that’s been looking for consistent production from its pass-catchers. Tight end Nate Adkins is also out with a knee injury, thinning the tight end rotation and putting more pressure on the remaining group to contribute in both the passing game and run blocking.
On the defensive side, Dre Greenlaw-a key presence at inside linebacker-will miss the game with a hamstring injury. Greenlaw’s absence could be felt most in the middle of the field, where the Chiefs love to operate with quick-hitting passes and misdirection. His sideline-to-sideline speed and veteran instincts won’t be easily replaced.
Center Luke Wattenberg, who’s been dealing with a shoulder injury, was placed on injured reserve before kickoff. That move opened up a roster spot, but it also leaves Denver thinner on the interior offensive line-an area that’ll be tested against a Kansas City front that thrives on disrupting timing and collapsing the pocket.
Additional Inactives: Depth Takes a Hit
Joining the list of inactives are several depth pieces: outside linebacker Que Robinson, defensive linemen Sai’vion Jones and Jordan Jackson, and offensive tackle Geron Christian. While these players may not be starters, their absence limits Denver’s rotational flexibility, especially in the trenches.
Against a Chiefs team that thrives on tempo and can wear down a defense over four quarters, not having extra bodies to rotate along the defensive line could become a factor as the game progresses. Similarly, missing Christian on the offensive line trims the margin for error in pass protection and run blocking.
What It Means for the Broncos
Denver’s coaching staff will need to get creative with personnel groupings and lean on its depth in key spots. Backup tight ends and linebackers will be asked to step up, and the offensive line will have to hold strong without Wattenberg anchoring the middle.
This is a Broncos team that’s still fighting to stay in the playoff mix, and every snap matters. Against a division rival like Kansas City, the margin is razor-thin-and missing key contributors only raises the stakes.
Kickoff is coming fast. We’ll soon see if Denver can overcome these absences and deliver a statement win on the road-or if the Chiefs will take advantage of a shorthanded opponent in their own backyard.