The Denver Broncos kick things off in 90 minutes against the Houston Texans this morning, and have released their list of inactive players for today.

Coming into today’s game, the Broncos ruled out safety P.J. Locke (neck), cornerback Patrick Surtain II (pectoral), tight end Nate Adkins (knee), and wide receiver Marvin Mims (concussion) on Friday. Those players are all on the inactive list, while running back Jaleel McLaughlin remains on the list alongside rookie outside linebacker Que Robinson and defensive lineman Sai’vion Jones.

Locke had practiced on a limited basis this week on Wednesday and Thursday, but he downgraded to being a DNP on Friday, which led to him being inactive. The expectation is that safety J.T. Gray, who the Broncos signed a handful of weeks ago, will likely play Locke’s role on special teams today against the Texans.

After not placing them on injured reserve this week, all signs point to Adkins and Surtain being able to return earlier this season. The Broncos will play Houston today and the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday in a short turnaround before Denver has ten days after that to prepare for the Kansas City Chiefs before the Broncos head into their bye week.

The hope is that Adkins and Surtain can return on Sunday Night Football at the Washington Commanders in Week 13.

Mims did not clear concussion protocol this week, leading to him being out this week. Hopefully, he can return on a short week this week against the Raiders.

To counteract the absence of Mims and Adkins, the Broncos elevated wide receiver Michael Bandy and veteran tight end Marcedes Lewis as their practice squad to gameday elevations.

After being listed as questionable with an illness, left guard Alex Palczewski will play today.

Broncos inactives vs. Texans

  • Safety P.J. Locke
  • Running back Jaleel McLaughlin
  • Tight end Nate Adkins
  • Cornerback Patrick Surtain II
  • Wide Receiver Marvin Mims
  • Outside linebacker Que Robinson
  • Defensive lineman Sai’vion Jones

Kickoff is in the next 90 minutes on FOX. Stay tuned at Mile High Sports for postgame coverage and more.