The Denver Broncos will be without rookie wide receiver Devaughn Vele in Sunday’s Week 2 home opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Who could the Broncos potentially rely on this upcoming weekend with him out of the mix?

Denver Broncos WR Devaughn Vele won’t play vs. Steelers

After hauling in eight catches in his regular season debut last week, Denver Broncos rookie wideout Devaughn Vele will not play on Sunday after a rib injury held him out of practice all week long. He did not participate in Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday’s practice.

It’s possible that Broncos head coach Sean Payton uses his practice squad-to-gameday elevation moves on veteran wide receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey and possibly practice squad receiver David Sills. With Vele’s absence on Sunday, Denver’s active roster features Courtland Sutton, Marvin Mims, Josh Reynolds, and Troy Franklin.

Sutton saw 12 targets in Sunday’s loss against the Seahawks, while Marvin Mims saw only one target on 12% of the team’s offensive snaps. Reynolds is battling an injury himself as he’s dealing with a sore Achilles. He missed Wednesday’s practice but was back on Thursday and was a full participant on Friday. Franklin was a gameday inactive last week.

Offensive tackle Garett Bolles and center Luke Wattenberg were back at practice on Friday for the second consecutive day after both had missed Wednesday’s practice with ankle injuries. Both were full participants.

Outside linebacker Jonah Elliss, who was on the injury report as limited on Wednesday with a knee designation, was a full participant on Thursday and Friday and will play on Sunday against the Steelers.

Broncos official injury report and game status vs. Steelers

  • Offensive tackle Garett Bolles – ankle – will play.
  • Center Luke Wattenberg – ankle – will play.
  • Wide receiver Devaughn Vele – ribs – out.
  • Wide receiver Josh Reynolds – Achilles – will play.
  • Outside linebacker Jonah Elliss – knee – will play.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have designated QB Russell Wilson as questionable on Sunday. Justin Fields will get the start, while Wilson will likely serve as the emergency option. WR Roman Wilson is questionable with an ankle injury. Offensive guard Isaac Seumalo (pectoral) has been ruled out. Linebacker Patrick Queen (groin) missed Thursday’s practice but was a full participant on Friday and will play.