As Jarrett Stidham takes the field for the first time this season as a starter for the Denver Broncos, he could be undermanned in the pass-catching department against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Denver Broncos rule out Courtland Sutton for Sunday’s game vs. Los Angeles Chargers

Courtland Sutton will not be available to play in Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers as the Broncos will wrap up their final home game of the season. Sutton left Sunday’s game last week against the New England Patriots in the first quarter and did not return.

He’s been in concussion protocol all week and didn’t clear it, despite doing some light work on the team’s side field initially on Thursday. For Jarrett Stidham, he’ll be down the offense’s top pass catcher, but Broncos head coach Sean Payton expressed belief in some of the experienced depth the team has, even on the practice squad.

David Sills, Phillip Dorsett, and Tre’Quan Smith all have viable experience, and either of these three players could see an elevation to the gameday roster on Saturday for Sunday’s game. Smith has the most experience overall in Payton’s offense based on his time in New Orleans, but Stidham has a lot of experience with these receivers this season running the scout team.

“The one thing that I’m excited about if some of those scenarios—you guys see some of practice, but when you’re looking at [WR David] Sills, and you’re looking at [WR Phillip] Dorsett, and you’re looking at [WR Michael] Bandy and [WR] Tre’Quan [Smith]—we’re deep here with some guys that have played a lot,” Payton said. “There are some similarities. If you told me this player was possibly out, then I’d say this player would be the easy one-for-one. If you told me this player—you know. Fortunately, we kind of have those ‘types,’ if you will. Those guys have all season long worked their tail off, then all of a sudden, there’s one week where one or more than one gets a chance.”

The Broncos have also listed wide receivers Marvin Mims and Jerry Jeudy as questionable for Sunday’s game. Mims status is the most questionable after he suffered a hamstring injury during Thursday’s practice and missed Friday’s practice. Jeudy is one of several players currently battling a flu bug that’s impacted the team’s locker room this week.

Tight end Greg Dulcich has also been ruled out after not practicing at all this week with a foot injury he’s been dealing with.

It’s very possible Stidham’s most viable receiving options are Brandon Johnson, Lucas Krull, Lil’Jordan Humphrey, Adam Trautman, and either Sills, Dorsett, or Smith if Jeudy and Mims do not play on Sunday. Denver’s necessity to get the run game going would be even more crucial in the event of that.

Outside linebacker Baron Browning did not clear the NFL’s concussion protocol and will not play. Nik Bonitto has no game status and is expected to play and get the start in place of Browning on Sunday. Ronnie Perkins could be one of the team’s two practice squad elevations for Sunday’s game.

Offensive tackle Alex Palczewski has also been ruled out despite fully participating in practice all week.

The only other player listed with a game status designation is running back Dwayne Washington, who missed all week with the illness that has infiltrated the locker room.

Free safety Justin Simmons returned to practice on Friday and participated fully after missing Thursday with an illness.

Full Report:

  • OLB Baron Browning – concussion – OUT.
  • Tight end Greg Dulcich – foot – OUT.
  • Wide receiver Courtland Sutton – concussion – OUT.
  • OT Alex Palczewski – knee – OUT.
  • Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy – illness – QUESTIONABLE.
  • Wide receiver Marvin Mims – hamstring – QUESTIONABLE.
  • Running back Dwayne Washington – illness – QUESTIONABLE.

The Denver Broncos will kick things off on Sunday for their final home game of the season against the Los Angeles Chargers on CBS with kickoff slated for 2:05 p.m. MT at Empower Field at Mile High.