The Denver Broncos wrapped up their final practice of the week on Friday as they prepare for their Sunday showdown against a banged up Carolina Panthers team. Denver may be without one key starter on the defensive side of the ball as they face Bryce Young.
Denver Broncos rule out safety P.J. Locke vs. Carolina Panthers
The Denver Broncos are trending to be without veteran starting safety P.J. Locke on Sunday as they host the Carolina Panthers at home for a 2:25 p.m. MT kickoff. Locke injured his thumb earlier in the week during practice and missed Thursday and Friday’s practices and was officially listed as doubtful for Sunday.
The Broncos will more than likely start Devon Key in his place, but there could be a combination of other players like JL Skinner and Keidron Smith who see some potential involvement on defense on Sunday.
The good news for Denver, though, is that All-Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain II will make his return after he left Week 6’s matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers with a concussion and missed Week 7 against the New Orleans Saints on Thursday Night Football. Surtain was a full participant all week long as he progressed through the NFL’s concussion protocol.
Broncos wrapped up final practice of the week before Sunday’s game vs. Panthers.
– Safety P.J. Locke was not present for media viewing portion
– PS2 full three straight days – a good sign of clearing protocol. pic.twitter.com/504JxgzKTa— Cody Roark (@CodyRoarkNFL) October 25, 2024
Defensive tackle Malcolm Roach (illness) was a full participant for the second consecutive day and will be good to go on Sunday.
Offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey (knee) upgraded to full participation, and Alex Palczewski (ankle) was limited once again for the week. McGlinchey is good to go and will play on Sunday, while Palczewski is listed as questionable.
Wide receiver Josh Reynolds and center Luke Wattenberg, both players on injured reserve, were spotted on the team’s side field. Reynolds has been present all week at the team facility after he was the victim of a shooting last Friday morning, where he was treated for minor injuries — ultimately him being okay is the most positive development, considering the details of the event.
The team issued a statement on Thursday when the news became public.
“Josh Reynolds was a victim of a shooting on Friday in Denver and received treatment for minor injuries,” the team said in an official statement. “Out of respect for the legal process, we will defer further comment on this matter to the authorities.”
Broncos head coach Sean Payton’s statement to us regarding the incident that happened last Friday with Josh Reynolds.
Team is providing him with all the support and resources he needs. pic.twitter.com/SNXySxHAsM
— Cody Roark (@CodyRoarkNFL) October 25, 2024
Broncos official injury report:
Full
- Cornerback Patrick Surtain II – concussion.
- Offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey – knee.
- Defensive tackle Malcolm Roach – illness.
Limited
- Offensive tackle Alex Palczewski – ankle.
Did Not Participate
- Safety P.J. Locke – thumb.