Broncos defensive lineman D.J. Jones did not practice for a second straight day this week after suffering a concussion in Sunday’s win over San Francisco, clouding his status for this weekend’s division game against Las Vegas.
Jones played just 13 snaps and then exited the game. He was put into the league’s concussion protocol, meaning he has several steps to pass through before he’s cleared to return to game action.
“With those head things, we want to make sure safety is the most important thing, so we just want to make sure he’s good throughout that process and as he (progresses) through it, we’ll find out if he can play,” head coach Nathaniel Hackett said.
Jones did do some conditioning work on Denver’s side field during Thursday’s open portion of practice, which leaves open the possibility he could return to more extensive, football-related work later in the week. Only after that could he be cleared to return to game action.
“It’s all based on how he passes through the protocol,” Hackett said.
In Jones’ absence against San Francisco, defensive tackle Mike Purcell saw increased work, as did Jonathan Harris, who was elevated from the practice squad.
More injury updates. Offensive lineman Billy Turner (knee) did not participate for the second straight day after being a full participant the past two weeks. Turner has yet to appear in a game this season. Outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper (hamstring), wide receiver Tyrie Cleveland (hamstring), and cornerback Darrius Phillips (hamstring) also remained out.
Left guard Dalton Risner (ankle) and outside linebacker Randy Gregory (knee) returned to practice in a limited capacity, while right guard Quinn Meinerz (hamstring), safety Caden Sterns (hip), running back Melvin Gordon (neck) and Purcell (neck) remained limited. Outside linebackers Baron Browning (knee) and Aaron Patrick (shoulder), nickel K’Waun Williams (wrist) and safety P.J. Locke (ankle) increased to full participation.
Two for one. This week, in particular, Denver’s injury report is extensive due in part to what’s coming next week. After playing at Las Vegas, the Broncos turn around and host Indianapolis on Thursday night.
“Before the season even started, we knew this was happening where we’d have an (AFC) West game that we know is going to be a very physical game, going into a Thursday night game, which is always difficult,” Hackett said. “So we’ve already started how we’re going to get guys’ bodies right, and that started yesterday.”
Denver had a no-helmets walk-through Wednesday and was in pads Thursday.
Singleton’s special teams work. Inside linebacker Josey Jewell not only returned to action with a standout performance — nine tackles (two for loss), a sack and a fumble recovery — but his presence on defense also had a trickle-down impact on special teams.
Fellow ILB Alex Singleton, no longer in the starting lineup with Jewell back in the fold, saw 22 special teams snaps against San Francisco after just 11 total over the first two weeks.
“A guy that can make plays consistently,” Stukes said. “As soon as you put him out there, you insert him on punt team, you insert him on kickoff coverage. The speed, the way he played for us, his awareness, the way he got down the field, it was very impressive. I mean, he had three solo tackles in the game.”
Williams’ wrist. Broncos nickel back K’Waun Williams, who has been dealing with a wrist injury since Week 1, has been adjusting to life playing with a hard cast.
The cast covers his right wrist/thumb to restrict motion and protect it. Williams played Weeks 2 and 3 with it on, and will have it on again Sunday in Las Vegas. But he hopes that by Halloween at latest, he’ll be free of it and his wrist will be fully healed from the sprain.
“It’s something I don’t want to have to get used to, so I’m hoping in these next couple weeks I can progress and get out of it,” Williams said. “I’ve been trying to work on catching (in practice), mostly with one hand and using the other one to come in and cover it.”
Williams said the injury occurred in the third quarter of the Broncos’ loss in Seattle, when the nickel back came into the pile on a third-quarter play that resulted in receiver D.K. Metcalf getting stripped by linebacker Randy Gregory.
“I came in with a punch, too, and hurt it,” Williams said. “It was hurting but I just had them tape it up and was able to finish.”
