The Denver Broncos wrapped up Thursday’s final practice in Dove Valley ahead of their game on Saturday against the Detroit Lions in what will be a crucial opportunity for the team’s post-season ambitions to stay alive. However, they’ll be without two of their key players against the Lions.
Denver Broncos rule out TE Greg Dulcich, OLB Nik Bonitto on Saturday
Following Thursday’s practice, the Broncos released their final injury report and official game status update for Saturday’s game against the Detroit Lions. Denver will be without two of their key players, one on offense, and one on defense.
Outside linebacker Nik Bonitto was ruled out of Saturday’s game after missing practice all week with a knee injury. Bonitto injured his knee in the first quarter of Denver’s win against the Los Angeles Chargers and was carted off.
There hasn’t been any definitive update regarding any prognosis or timeline surrounding his injury, but he will not be available this week. On Thursday, the Broncos also waived OLB Ronnie Perkins who was Bonitto’s former college teammate at Oklahoma.
With Bonitto being ruled out, the Broncos will likely see an increase in snaps from rookie Drew Sanders with undrafted rookie free agent Thomas Incoom potentially seeing more snaps as well.
Jonathon Cooper was limited all week in practice but was not given a game status, indicating that he’s ready to go and will play on Saturday, starting opposite Baron Browning.
Denver also ruled out tight end Greg Dulcich, who made his return to practice on Wednesday. Dulcich’s window for activation off of injured reserve began on Wednesday, but he was not spotted on Thursday during the media viewing portion of practice.
On Thursday’s injury report, Dulcich was given another designation with an apparent foot injury. Broncos head coach Sean Payton didn’t provide any insight into this development on Thursday’s conference call.
Here is the official injury report of the Broncos and Lions ahead of Saturday’s game.
Broncos injury report
Full Participation:
- Right guard Quinn Meinerz – illness.
- Running back Samaje Perine – knee.
Limited Participation:
- Tight end Chris Manhertz – NIR – rest.
- Safety P.J. Locke – neck – QUESTIONABLE.
- Outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper – ankle.
Did Not Participate:
- Outside linebacker Nik Bonitto – knee – OUT.
- Tight end Greg Dulcich – hamstring/foot – OUT.
- Defensive tackle Mike Purcell – NIR -rest.
Lions injury report
Full Participation:
- Offensive tackle Taylor Decker – back – QUESTIONABLE.
- Quarterback Hendon Hooker – knee – OUT.
- Defensive tackle Benito Jones – neck – QUESTIONABLE.
- Center Frank Ragnow – knee/back/toe – QUESTIONABLE.
Limited Participation:
- Wide receiver Josh Reynolds – back – QUESTIONABLE.
Official inactives for Saturday’s game will be released 90 minutes prior to kickoff.