Losers of three games in a row, the Denver Broncos will try to halt that streak against the worst possible opponent – the unbeaten Los Angeles Rams, who appear to be the best team in the NFL.
They’ll have to do so without right tackle Jared Veldheer (knee) and cornerback/punt returner Adam Jones (hamstring), as reported by ESPN’s Jeff Legwold.
After Friday's practice Broncos coach Vance Joseph said tackle Jared Veldheer (knee) and cornerback Adam Jones (hamstring) will not play Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams. Neither player has practiced this week. Joseph also said no decision has been… https://t.co/tWiyegbMlR
— Jeff Legwold (@Jeff_Legwold) October 12, 2018
Backup cornerback Trumaine Brock is expected to play, but Jones’ absence still leaves the Broncos with only four corners; starters Chris Harris Jr., Bradley Roby, Brock and rookie Isaac Yiadom. Jones’ punt-returning duties are likely to fall first to rookie wide receiver DaeSean Hamilton, who would be backed up by fellow rookie Phillip Lindsay, the Broncos’ leading rusher.
Veldheer will be replaced by Billy Turner at right tackle, who will face an aggressive, Wade Phillips-designed defense led by All-Pro linemen Aaron Donald and Ndamukong Suh.
Any notion that Jones’ absence might be offset by a Rams’ passing game missing either Brandin Cooks or Cooper Kupp – who were both in the league’s concussion protocol – was dispelled on Friday, thanks to ESPN’s Lindsey Thiry.
Rams receivers Brandin Cooks and Cooper Kupp at today’s practice. Both are expected to clear concussion protocol by Sunday’s game against the Broncos. pic.twitter.com/Xrr0xNjMQW
— Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) October 12, 2018
The Rams’ offense is the best in the NFL, averaging a whopping 468.4 yards per game behind former No. 1 pick Jared Goff at quarterback and the league’s most dynamic running back in Todd Gurley II.
The 2-3 Broncos will face the 5-0 Rams on Sunday in what’s expected to be a frigid and snow-covered Denver afternoon. Kickoff is set for 2:05 PM.