The Denver Broncos are up against the clock, beginning today as they have to flush the stink out of Sunday’s loss to the Los Angeles Chargers and turn it around when they travel to take on the New Orleans Saints on Thursday Night Football.
Denver Broncos are back at it for Thursday’s game vs. Saints
The Denver Broncos were back at the practice facility today as players underwent a full day’s worth of treatment, IV, lifting, and film study as they prepare for Thursday’s game against the New Orleans Saints in primetime on Amazon.
While the players were back at the facility today, they did not hold practice on Monday but released an estimated injury report if they did have practice.
Cornerback Damarri Mathis (ankle) and inside linebacker Justin Strnad (ribs) would have been full participants if the team took the field on Monday. Cornerbacks Riley Moss (hip) and Ja’Quan McMillian (ankle) would have been limited participants alongside offensive tackle Alex Palczewski (ankle) if practice was held.
Cornerback Patrick Surtain II (concussion) would have been the only player who would not have participated if the team was on the field Monday as he goes through the NFL’s Concussion Protocol.
After failing to get off to a hot start on Sunday against the Chargers, the Broncos face the tough task of trying to turn things around 72 hours after their last game, which presents a challenge in and of itself.
“There are a couple of things that I think are important,” Broncos head coach Sean Payton said. “In order to play fast, you have to know what to do. That doesn’t mean that there’s not a wrinkle. That doesn’t mean there’s not a couple of ideas that we want to walk through and put in. Overall, I think one of the most important things in preparing for a Thursday night game is the recovery process. We had recovery stations even after the game yesterday and all day today. IV recovery, guys coming in to get a lift [and] get some film work done. Obviously, the practices get altered greatly, so trying to be as physically and mentally fresh for the game. The other thing that stands out when you do some studies, halftime leads on Thursday generally have a higher percentage of wins than on a normal Sunday. Fatigue can obviously take place, so I think playing well early is important. To your original question, I just think in order to play fast, it’s important to play with the defense, special teams and offensive stuff scheme wise, that you know real well that you’ve done in training camp.”
The Saints are also a team that is banged up, with players like key receivers Chris Olave (concussion) and Rashid Shaheed (knee) being two of their key offensive players who are on the injury report. Derek Carr (oblique) joined them as an estimated non-participant if they had practiced on Monday. Rookie Spencer Rattler will likely get the start once again as they host the Broncos.
The Denver Broncos kick off against the New Orleans Saints on Thursday Night Football on Amazon Prime at 6:15 p.m. MT.