The Denver Broncos received some good news on Wednesday as they saw second-year pass rusher Nik Bonitto return to practice after he missed the last two weeks with an MCL injury.
Denver Broncos pass rusher could help unit with pressure
It’s hard to expect a player who has missed several weeks with a knee injury to instantaneously come back and help address an issue the Denver Broncos have had in the last two weeks.
With Bonitto’s return to practice on Wednesday, he could potentially help the team’s defense generate more pressure in these final two weeks. Prior to his injury, Bonitto led the team in sacks with seven until Jonathon Cooper notched his 7.5 sack of the year in Sunday’s loss to the New England Patriots.
Bonitto also leads the team in tackles for a loss with 11. While the news of Russell Wilson’s benching took over the focus of Wednesday’s news cycle, Denver’s second-year pass rusher’s return is an important move for their defense.
He was officially listed as limited on Wednesday and does have a chance to play this week against the Chargers.
Courtland Sutton and Baron Browning are in NFL’s concussion protocol
The Broncos are somewhat banged up heading into these final two weeks of the NFL regular season. While they could see the return of Bonitto this week, they also might be without outside linebacker Baron Browning.
Browning is officially in the concussion protocol and was listed as a DNP during Wednesday’s practice. Wide receiver Courtland Sutton is also in the NFL’s concussion protocol.
Both players will have to clear some hurdles in order to return to play on Sunday, and that’s not a guarantee. Aside from Sutton and Browning, several other players were listed as DNP’s on Wednesday.
Running back Samaje Perine received a veteran rest day on Wednesday and is expected to be back participating in Thursday’s practice. Tight end Greg Dulcich still hasn’t returned to practice since suffering a foot injury two weeks ago.
With the new changes Denver has made with Russell Wilson heading to the bench, it could be more than likely that Dulcich won’t play another snap this season, and the team focuses on getting him ready for next year.
Running back and special teams ace Dwayne Washington also missed Wednesday’s practice with an illness.
Bonitto was the only player listed as limited, and offensive tackle Alex Palczewski was a full participant, rounding out Denver’s injury report for Wednesday.
