The Denver Broncos wrapped up Wednesday’s practice at the Centura Health Training Center as they inch closer and closer to Sunday’s kickoff against the Las Vegas Raiders. Jerry Jeudy is slowly ramping things up as the team prepares for their first game.
Denver Broncos practice report for Wednesday
With the regular season in full swing, local media coverage changes regarding the team’s open viewing period.
During the window allotted to see Wednesday’s practice, Jerry Jeudy was doing noticeably more and was wearing a helmet and jersey. He participated in team stretch and did some light work during individual period.
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Tight end Greg Dulcich was not spotted during the open viewing portion of practice. After practice, Broncos head coach Sean Payton noted that Dulcich was excused for a personal matter on Wednesday.
Denver Broncos release unofficial depth chart ahead of Sunday’s game
The Broncos released their unofficial depth chart featuring the 53-man roster leading up to Sunday’s matchup with the Raiders.
There aren’t any surprises when looking at it at first glance.
Jonathon Cooper is the starter on paper opposite Randy Gregory. Considering Cooper’s offseason and strong performances in training camp and preseason, this doesn’t come as a surprise.
His relentless motor and discipline on the edge will provide the Broncos with a huge advantage.
“I would say he’s been consistent,” Payton said of Cooper. “He’s explosive, and I think he’s been very physical. All of those guys are going to play. With [OLB Jonathon] Cooper, you know exactly what you’re getting and that’s a good trait—his strengths, his weaknesses, how he helps us in the kicking game. He’s physical. Those are things that have served him well.”
To nobody’s surprise, Justin Simmons is the starting safety, but the second safety spot lists Kareem Jackson or Caden Sterns, meaning either will start.
Sterns is expected to play a crucial role defensively this upcoming season, and a clean bill of health heading into the year means that the Broncos defense has a chance to be even better this year.
Cam Fleming is the backup option for both left and right tackle.
D.J. Jones is the starter at nose tackle, but Mike Purcell will see plenty of time behind him.
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Broncos injury report for Wednesday
The Denver Broncos released their first injury report of the season before Sunday’s game, including Wednesday’s practice participation status.
Tight end Greg Dulcich (non-injury related – personal) was the only player who did not participate.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (hamstring) was officially designated as limited. Tight end Chris Manhertz (chest) was limited, and rookie cornerback Riley Moss (abdomen) was also a limited participant.
Jeudy’s progress is promising based on how he looked movement-wise, but the team won’t rush him back if he’s not 100%. Manhertz moved and blocked well during the team’s individual period this afternoon, which is a promising sign for him.
Moss continues slowly working his way back after having core muscle surgery after the first week of training camp.
The better news is that the Broncos injury report is manageable to start the season.
Broncos name team captains for the upcoming season
Ahead of Sunday’s season opener, the Broncos also announced their list of team captains for this upcoming season.
Russell Wilson, Justin Simmons, Courtland Sutton, Kareem Jackson, Mike McGlinchey, and Riley Dixon will represent the Broncos as team captains.
Wilson, Simmons, and Sutton return as team captains from last season, while McGlinchey, Dixon, and Jackson join them as first-year captains in 2023.
These players were all selected through team votes.
“There’s a lot that goes into that,” Sean Payton said after practice. “Guys lead in their own ways. Obviously, the veteran players vote on these guys. Generally speaking, the better teams are player-led teams. Your average teams are coach-led teams, and your poor teams really have no leadership. I think it’s important.”
Despite last season’s struggles, player leadership was very strong throughout the debacle that was 5-12. It’s a great sign that Payton sees the value in player leadership.
Players I’ve spoken to have emphasized how important that element is for a team to succeed, and they have praised Payton for helping create that culture and tone inside the locker room.
Javonte Williams gearing up for big role inside of the Broncos offense
Regarding Javonte Williams’ status surrounding his workload, Payton doesn’t necessarily have a numerical outline for it set in stone but emphasized that he’ll have a big role for them offensively.
“Generally speaking, if you are converting on third down, there are a number of things that happen when you end up having a lot of rushing snaps,” Payton said. “He’s going to play a big role. I haven’t put together a number for him. We feel like him and [RB Samaje] Perine give us—I don’t want to say similar backs. Then obviously, we have a little different dimension with [RB] Jaleel [McLaughlin]. We feel like he’s moving well. He is strong and healthy. Preseason was important for him, but more important is the hours he put into the rehab.”
Williams has looked confident during practice dating back to the start of training camp as a runner, and that’s the best sign you can have heading into the season.
