The Denver Broncos will be without two of their key defensive players in Sunday’s regular-season opener against the Tennessee Titans. What might be the plan in their absence?

Denver Broncos rule out Dre Greenlaw, Malcolm Roach vs. Titans

The Denver Broncos will be without inside linebacker Dre Greenlaw (quad) and defensive tackle Malcolm Roach (calf) on Sunday when they host the Tennessee Titans in Week 1.

Greenlaw did not participate in practice for the third consecutive day, while Roach missed after leaving Thursday’s practice with a calf injury, which was later revealed as a Grade 2 strain, which will likely put him on the shelf for several weeks.

Alex Singleton (thumb), Marvin Mims (thigh), and Nik Bonitto (foot) were all full participants for the third consecutive day of practice.

Outside linebacker Dondrea Tillman (hamstring) was limited after popping up on the report on Thursday, but his testing came back positive, and he should be good to go.

Outside of Greenlaw and Roach, practice squad cornerback Reese Taylor (hamstring) and fullback/tight end Nate Adkins (ankle) did not participate.

Additionally, Adkins was ruled out.

Broncos injury report:

  • Linebacker Alex Singleton – thumb – full participation.
  • Wide receiver Marvin Mims – thigh – full participation.
  • Outside linebacker Nik Bonitto – foot – full participation.
  • Outside linebacker Dondrea Tillman – hamstring – limited participation.
  • Defensive lineman Malcolm Roach – calf – did not participate – OUT.
  • Linebacker Dre Greenlaw – quad – did not participate – OUT.
  • Cornerback Reese Taylor – hamstring – did not participate.
  • Fullback/Tight End Nate Adkins – ankle – did not participate – OUT.

At linebacker, Justin Strnad, Levelle Bailey, and undrafted rookie free agent Karene Reid could see some playing time. Strnad is the on paper favorite to start next to Alex Singleton, which means Reid could be active for special teams snaps and as depth.

Denver will announce who their gameday elevations will be on Saturday, which could see Bailey and veteran Garret Wallow as potential options.

On the defensive line, Eyioma Uwazurike and Jordan Jackson become two names who could see more snaps defensively with Roach being ruled out, and possibly an elevation from practice squad nose tackle Jordan Miller.

Kickoff is set for 2:05 p.m. MT on FOX.