The Broncos have been one of the league’s more injury-riddled teams this season, and that was especially true last week against the Falcons. With the Raiders up next, they’re fortunately expected to get a lot of players back, but several still remain on the Broncos’ injury report.
Here’s who’s in and who’s out for this week.
Who’s playing?
A.J. Bouye is back for the Broncos this week which will be huge for Denver’s defense. With Davontae Harris on the field, they were constantly vulnerable to Atlanta’s aerial attacks. They need Bouye back to slow an aggressive Raiders passing attack with Derek Carr, who has a passer rating of 135.4 on deep balls this season, Henry Ruggs, and a rejuvenated Nelson Agholor.
Both Tim Patrick and Noah Fant got banged up in their game against the Falcons in practice, but are active for today’s game. That’s huge considering Fant has arguably been their best skill position player this season, when fully healthy, and Patrick has emerged as one of Drew Lock’s safety blankets with Courtland Sutton out for the year.
Whose status is up in the air?
Wide receivers Jerry Jeudy and Diontae Spencer are both listed as questionable for today’s game but both should play. However, the fact that Jerry Jeudy only participated in practice, and had limited participation at that is definitely concerning, especially considering his recent importance to Denver’s offense.
#Broncos WR Jerry Jeudy, listed as questionable with a shoulder injury, is expected to play today vs. the #Raiders, source said.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 15, 2020
On the more concerning end of the spectrum, with Ja’Wuan James out of the picture, Elijah Wilkinson out, and Demar Dotson and Jake Rodgers questionable, fifth-string right tackle Calvin Anderson has a good chance of starting today. Social media posts make that appear even more likely. It’s also worth noting that sixth-string right tackle Quinn Bailey has been activated in case Anderson suffers an injury.
You helped prepare me for this moment my brother. It’s time 🤫#Robocop pic.twitter.com/6cb1rZOVg6
— Calvin Anderson (@THE_CONDA25) November 14, 2020
Bryce Callahan is also listed as questionable for today’s game, but unlike Dotson and Jeudy we haven’t seen a strong signal in either direction to indicate whether or not he’s expected to play today.
Who’s out?
The only Bronco on the injury report listed as out for today’s game is Joe Jones, which should have an impact on the Broncos’ special teams, but not so much on defense. Former CSU Ram Josh Watson was elevated from the practice squad to take his place.
That’s a massive red flag considering the Broncos’ special teams has been one of the league’s very worst, and Joe Jones might just be their best non-positional special-teamer. They rank 26th in special teams DVOA and they’ve been the lowest-graded special teams by Pro Football Focus.