The Denver Broncos are in relatively good health going into their preseason showdown with the Green Bay Packers this weekend.
The only two active-roster players who seem certain to not play are cornerbacks Art Green (concussion) and Levi Wallace (hamstring). Broncos coach Sean Payton said earlier this week that he expects Green to return for the team’s preseason finale next week.
Wide receiver DeVaughn Vele left Thursday’s session with an undisclosed injury and he did not practice Friday, but Payton said Vele will be “fine.” Payton said Vele has a chance to play against Green Bay on Sunday night
Denver held out healthy cornerback Pat Surtain and defensive linemen Zach Allen, John Franklin-Myers and Eyioma Uwazurike last week. All four players are expected to suit up against Green Bay on Sunday.
Elsewhere on the injury front, the Broncos waived rookie pass rusher Jaylon Allen with an injury settlement earlier this week. Allen cleared waivers and he might be a candidate to return to the team on the practice squad once he recovers from an ankle injury.
Meanwhile, linebacker Drew Sanders (Achilles) and safety Delarrin Turner-Yell (ACL) remain on the physically unable to perform list.
unable to perform list.
Broncos injuries: 4 unlikely to play
1. DB Delarrin Turner-Yell (ACL; PUP)
2. LB Drew Sanders (Achilles; PUP)
3. CB Levi Wallace (hamstring)
4. CB Art Green (concussion)
The Broncos’ game against the Packers will be nationally televised on NFL Network. Next week’s preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals will be nationally televised on CBS. Bring on the football!
As the Denver Broncos gear up for their highly anticipated preseason showdown against the Green Bay Packers, the team is in relatively good health. This weekend’s game, set to be nationally televised on NFL Network, will be an important test for the Broncos as they prepare for the regular season. However, a few players will likely be sidelined due to injuries.
The Broncos are dealing with a few injuries, particularly in their defensive backfield. Two cornerbacks, Art Green and Levi Wallace, are almost certain to miss Sunday night’s game. Green, who suffered a concussion, has been progressing well and is expected to return for the preseason finale next week. Wallace, on the other hand, is nursing a hamstring injury, and his return date remains uncertain.
Broncos head coach Sean Payton addressed Green’s condition earlier this week, expressing optimism about the young cornerback’s recovery. “We’re confident Art will be back next week,” Payton said, emphasizing the importance of giving Green the time he needs to fully recover. Wallace’s situation is a bit more tenuous, as hamstring injuries can be tricky and often require extended time off to heal completely.
Wide receiver DeVaughn Vele also had a scare during Thursday’s practice session when he left with an undisclosed injury. He did not participate in Friday’s practice, raising concerns about his availability for the game against the Packers. However, Payton was quick to reassure fans and the media that Vele will be “fine.” Payton mentioned that Vele has a chance to suit up on Sunday, which would be a positive development for the Broncos’ offense.
In last week’s preseason game, the Broncos made the strategic decision to rest several of their key defensive players, including star cornerback Pat Surtain and defensive linemen Zach Allen, John Franklin-Myers, and Eyioma Uwazurike. These players were held out despite being healthy, as Payton and his coaching staff wanted to give them additional rest and avoid unnecessary risks in a preseason setting.
This week, however, it’s expected that all four players will take the field against the Packers. Their presence should provide a significant boost to the Broncos’ defense, which is looking to fine-tune its performance before the regular season kicks off. Surtain, in particular, is a cornerstone of the Broncos’ secondary and his return will be eagerly anticipated by fans.
In other injury-related news, the Broncos waived rookie pass rusher Jaylon Allen earlier this week due to an ankle injury. Allen, who was seen as a promising addition to the team’s defensive line, was released with an injury settlement. After clearing waivers, there’s a possibility that Allen could rejoin the Broncos on the practice squad once he fully recovers.
The decision to waive Allen was likely a tough one for the Broncos, given his potential. However, the team’s depth at the pass-rusher position allowed them to make this move without compromising their overall defensive strategy. If Allen does return to the practice squad, it could be a win-win situation for both the player and the team, allowing him to continue his development under the Broncos’ coaching staff.
Linebacker Drew Sanders and safety Delarrin Turner-Yell remain on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list as they recover from significant injuries. Sanders, who is dealing with an Achilles issue, and Turner-Yell, who is recovering from an ACL injury, have yet to make their preseason debuts.
Both players are crucial to the Broncos’ depth, and their absence has been felt during training camp. Sanders, a versatile linebacker, was expected to compete for a starting role this season, while Turner-Yell was projected to be a key contributor in the secondary. Their continued presence on the PUP list is a concern, but the team is hopeful that both will be able to contribute later in the season.
After this weekend’s game against the Packers, the Broncos will wrap up their preseason with a nationally televised game against the Arizona Cardinals, which will air on CBS. This final preseason matchup will be another opportunity for the team to evaluate its roster and make any final adjustments before the regular season begins.
The Broncos’ coaching staff will be particularly interested in how the team’s depth players perform, as decisions on the final roster cuts will be looming. Players on the bubble will have one last chance to impress and secure their spot on the 53-man roster.
Despite the injury concerns, the Broncos appear to be in a good position as they head into the final stages of the preseason. The return of key starters this weekend will provide valuable reps and help the team build momentum heading into the regular season. Fans will be watching closely to see how the team performs against the Packers, as this game will serve as an important indicator of where the Broncos stand heading into the 2024 NFL season.
With just one more preseason game left after this weekend, the Broncos are focused on fine-tuning their game plan and ensuring that they enter the regular season as a cohesive and competitive unit. As the excitement builds, Broncos fans can look forward to a season full of promise and potential.