Clayton: The Broncos won’t be as shorthanded when the Chiefs come to town
Jan 5, 2022, 2:06 PM
Even though this won’t ultimate change the equation for the Broncos this season, at least they got some good new Wednesday. Denver saw 12 players came off their COVID-19 list.
That long list left them vulnerable to the one-sided loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. They won’t be as shorthanded this week against the Chiefs.
The Broncos got back several key players. Cornerback Bryce Callahan returned. Sod did linebacker Bradley Chubb. They got back their receiving corps with the return of Jerry Jeudy and Tim Patrick. Right tackle Bobby Massie is back. They were able to get back inside linebacker Baron Browning and outside linebacker Jonathan Cooper.
That should make them more competitive for game against Kansas City. Of course, the Chiefs have won their last 12 games against the Broncos. So the odds of a Denver win aren’t good.
The Broncos have locked up last place in the AFC West for the second straight year. They’ve also been eliminated from the playoffs for the sixth-straight season.
There was some bad news for Denver on Wednesday, though. Safety Kareem Jackson went on the injured reserve list. So did guard Dalton Risner. As did quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. Those are three starters.
One of the big things Vic Fangio is working on this week is fixing the running game. That’s been a problem that has been getting worse despite the talent the Broncos have in the backfield.
Lot of work ahead in a short week. But at least Denver won’t be as shorthanded this time around.