As if this game wasn’t already difficult enough for the Denver Broncos, they now have to face the AFC West leading Kansas City Chiefs without four key players.
Starting safety Darian Stewart (neck), right tackle Jared Veldheer (knee), running back Royce Freeman (ankle) and receiver DaeSean Hamilton (knee) have all bee ruled out of the Broncos – Chiefs game which kicks off at 11 a.m. MT on Sunday in Kansas City.
Stewart is a starting safety for the Broncos, who’s dealing with a stinger in his neck. Because he can’t play, Will Parks, Dymonte Thomas and Shamarko Thomas will all see more playing time. Veldheer hasn’t played in two weeks, leaving Billy Turner as the starting right tackle on an offensive line which also has seen Ronald Leary sidelined for the rest of the season lately due to a torn Achilles tendon.
Freeman has bee a stud of a rookie running back, averaging 4.4 yards per carry, which is second to Phillip Lindsay on the team. Expect a heavier dose of Lindsay and more Devontae Booker this week, too.
Listed as questionable are Von Miller (ankle), and linebacker Brandon Marshall (knee). But, head coach Vance Joseph said of Miller’s injury, “It’s not serious. He will go.”
Kansas City’s offense is on fire, scoring an NFL-best 37.1 points per game this season. So, for the Broncos to be without a starting safety and to have two key linebackers listed as questionable could lead to a long day in Kansas City.
On the flip side of the ball, the Chiefs’ defense is 32nd in the NFL in terms of yards, and they give up 5.0 yards per carry, which is third-worst in the league. Lindsay could end up taking advantage for one of his biggest days as a professional this Sunday.
