The Denver Broncos wrapped up their final practice of the season on Friday in preparation for Sunday’s season finale against the Los Angeles Chargers. Unfortunately, they will be without three key players with several others listed as questionable.
Kendall Hinton among three Denver Broncos ruled out on Sunday
Kendall Hinton has emerged as one of the most reliable players the Denver Broncos could call upon during an up-and-down 2022 season. Whether that be as a main receiving option for Russell Wilson or a reliable option as a punt or kick returner, Hinton has done it all. Unfortunately, Hinton will be inactive on Sunday when the Broncos host the Los Angeles Chargers.
Hinton was ruled out on Friday by interim head coach Jerry Rosburg as he deals with a chest and foot injury. Joining Hinton as inactive for Sunday will be offensive tackle Calvin Anderson who has dealt with an ankle injury for the last several weeks. Defensive lineman D.J. Jones will also miss Sunday’s game with a knee injury that has bothered him for the last two weeks.
Jones finishes his 2022 season with two sacks, four hurries, and eight quarterback pressures while serving as an anchor against the run, tallying 34 tackles on the year. He’ll return in 2023 as an impact player on the Broncos’ defensive line.
Damarri Mathis questionable for Sunday’s game vs. Los Angeles
The Broncos will have five players listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Chargers including rookie cornerback Damarri Mathis. Mathis continues to make progress through the NFL’s concussion protocol, but his final status will be determined on Saturday by the team’s medical staff. He was limited on Thursday and Friday.
Both Eric Saubert (knee) and Eric Tomlinson (ankle) returned to practice on Friday after missing Wednesday and Thursday. They are listed as questionable. Offensive tackle Billy Turner popped up on the injury report with a back designation and is officially questionable for Sunday. Outside linebacker Jonathan Kongbo (illness) returned to practice on Friday on a limited basis after missing Thursday’s practice.
Jerry Jeudy, Baron Browing expected to play vs. Chargers
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, who has battled an ankle injury for the last six weeks was a full participant during Friday’s practice after being limited on Wednesday and Thursday. Joining him as full participants and expected to play on Sunday are fullback Andrew Beck, outside linebackers Baron Browning and Nik Bonitto, safety Kareem Jackson, cornerback K’Waun Williams, offensive guard Quinn Meinerz, and defensive lineman Mike Purcell.
Keep an eye on Jackson for Sunday’s game. The 13-year veteran will be an unrestricted free agent after the season, meaning that Sunday could be his final game in orange and blue. His veteran presence and leadership have been crucial for the secondary and he’s helped play a role in the development of younger players this season by being a sounding board and example inside of the locker room.
The Denver Broncos will wrap up their season on Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers at 2:25 p.m. MT on CBS.
