The Denver Broncos announced their final injury report and game statuses ahead of Monday Night Football in a showdown with the Los Angeles Chargers. Denver’s secondary will be without Caden Sterns, how might that impact the rotation at safety? Will the Broncos have offensive guard Quinn Meinerz back this week as they try to get the run game going?
Denver Broncos Final Injury Report and Game Status vs. Chargers
The Broncos put their finishing touches on game prep for the Los Angeles Chargers on Saturday. Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett announced game statuses for Monday Night Football following Saturday’s practice.
Game Status vs. Chargers
Offensive guard Dalton Risner (back) is questionable for Monday after dealing with a back issue all week. Risner was a participant during Saturday’s practice after not participating on Thursday or Friday.
Offense guard Quinn Meinerz (hamstring) is questionable for Monday as he works his way back from the hamstring injury he suffered in Week 1 against the Seattle Seahawks. Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett is hopeful he can make his return after Meinerz upgraded from limited participation on Thursday and Friday to full on Saturday. “We’re going to see after today,” Hackett said on Saturday. “We’re going to talk with him to see how he’s doing and make sure we’re smart with him. I think he’s definitely better than he has been before this, so we’re looking forward to hopefully getting him out there.”
Rookie cornerback Damarri Mathis (knee) has been limited in practice this week as he continues to work through a knee injury he sustained in the third quarter against the Indianapolis Colts last Thursday.
Caden Sterns (hip) has been ruled OUT as he works through a hip issue that’s been bothering him since training camp according to Hackett. Sterns was limited on Thursday and Friday but did not participate in Saturday’s final practice. The Broncos anticipate Justin Simmons will make his return on Monday, and P.J. Locke cleared concussion protocol last week which could see his role increase in the dime with Sterns out.
Melvin Gordon (neck/ribs) is listed as questionable after being a limited participant in practice this past week for Denver. The belief is that Gordon will play, but Latavius Murray is expected to make his Broncos debut on Monday and could see an increased workload alongside Mike Boone if Gordon is unable to go.
Eric Saubert (thigh) is questionable for Monday’s game against the Chargers. Through five weeks, he’s emerged as the Broncos’ number one tight end option for quarterback Russell Wilson. Saubert’s role on offense has been noticeable, but his role on special teams has also been impactful. Whether or not Greg Dulcich makes his debut for the Broncos on Monday is up in the air as Hackett works alongside general manager George Paton to determine if they move him to the 53-man roster after he was designated to return off injured reserve earlier this week.
Billy Turner (knee) is questionable but has been progressing forward positively according to Hackett. “Everything’s been moving very positive for Billy,” Hackett said on Saturday. “We want to do the right thing with him, that’s why we’re talking about what we’re going to do with those tackles and make sure. We want to be sure we’re getting Billy [Turner] ready. Cam [Fleming] has done a really good job for us, Calvin [Anderson] stepped in and did a good job, so we’re lucky to have three.”
Josey Jewell (knee): has been ruled OUT as he deals with a knee sprain that has him currently week to week. Alex Singleton will start in place of him at linebacker alongside Jonas Griffith.
Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson, Mike Boone, Baron Browning, P.J. Locke, Latavius Murray, Aaron Patrick, Darius Phillips, Mike Purcell, and K’Waun Williams are full go for Monday’s game against the Chargers after dealing with some injuries earlier this week.