The Denver Broncos released their final injury report ahead of Sunday’s Week 2 matchup with the Houston Texans.
The Broncos will be without two of their key starters against Houston on Sunday.
Denver Broncos final injury report vs Houston Texans
Denver Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett announced on Friday that wide receiver KJ Hamler and right guard Quinn Meinerz will miss Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans.
Hamler did not participate in practice all week with a knee/hip designation.
The Broncos third-year wide receiver is just under one year since he suffered the season-ending knee/hip injuries in 2021.
Denver is taking the 30,000-foot view when it comes to making sure Hamler’s continued recovery isn’t compromised.
“Yes. We just want to be sure—it’s such a unique deal with what happened to him,” Hackett said following Frida’s practice. “He’s been doing some great things, and he’s been getting some great reps. He did well last game. We just want to be sure we have him for the whole season.”
With Hamler’s absence, players like rookie wide receiver Montrell Washington and undrafted rookie Jalen Virgil could see an increase in potential opportunities alongside Tyrie Cleveland as players featured that aren’t named Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton.
Meinerz suffered a hamstring injury during Monday’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
Veteran guard Graham Glasgow will get the start at right guard in place of Meinerz.
Friday's #HOUvsDEN injury report:
📰 » https://t.co/7HzdyqlPo5 pic.twitter.com/VSWcLDVya5
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) September 16, 2022
The Broncos defense received some good news during practice on Friday as inside linebacker Josey Jewell returned to practice.
Jewell missed the Broncos season opener against the Seahawks on Monday as he battled through a calf injury.
His status for Sunday is questionable and if he can’t go, Alex Singleton will get the start once again after playing an impressive game on Monday night.
Outside linebacker Randy Gregory, defensive lineman DeShawn Williams, cornerback K’Waun Williams, and offensive tackle Billy Turner are all listed as questionable on Sunday as well.
As noted by Hackett on Thursday, offensive tackle Cam Fleming will get the start at right tackle vs. Houston on Sunday.
The Denver Broncos will kick off against the Houston Texans at 2:25 PM MT at Empower Field at Mile High.