Broncos injury update: Jewell doubtful; Hamler working to be “full go”

After not practicing for a third consecutive day, the Broncos listed Josey Jewell as doubtful on the final injury report of the week after Saturday’s practice inside the Pat Bowlen Fieldhouse.

If Jewell cannot play, Hackett said that Alex Singleton would get most of the work in his place. Singleton, a free-agent pickup from Philadelphia in March, led the Eagles in tackles during each of the last two seasons. Third-year ILB Justin Strnad would also be in the mix.

“We feel like we’ve got a good group of guys that can more than replace [Jewell],” defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero said. “Obviously, we’re going to miss Josey, but that’s part of the league. All of the backups have got to be ready to go.”

Hackett did not close the door on Jewell playing Monday. However, the fact that he didn’t practice Friday or Saturday and the “doubtful” status make it more likely than not that he will miss a 16th consecutive game dating back to last year, when he went on injured reserve after tearing his pectoral muscle in Week 2.

“We’re gonna see what happens throughout today and tomorrow,” Hackett said.

Listed as questionable are edge rusher Randy Gregory, wide receiver KJ Hamler and right tackle Billy Turner. All were limited in practice this week.

“We put them out there when they’re ready to go, and if not, we give ‘em another week,” Hackett said.

Hamler said Thursday that he expected to be “full-go” Monday night. The third-year receiver returned to action in the Aug. 27 preseason finale against Minnesota and played the entire first half. That was his first game-speed action since he tore his ACL and dislocated his hip in Week 3 last year.

“It felt good. I’m still dealing with aches and pains here and there, but that’s all part of the process in coming back off of injury,” Hamler said.

“It’s not the easiest (thing). Just gotta find ways to fight through it. You’ve gotta prepare right. Every day before practice, do your routine and prep right. Drink, hydrate, eat — just do all the little things to stay healthy and be on the field.”

Each practice requires more work to be ready because of the recovery process, Hamler noted.

“It’s different, because I’ve got to do way more stuff just to get warmed up and ready for practice,” he said. “Then, after this year, it’ll probably go back to normal. But I’ve just gotta do the little things right, so I can be in 17-plus games. That’s the goal.”

Meanwhile, Jewell’s fellow first-team inside linebacker, Jonas Griffith, had full participation in each practice this week. Griffith said Thursday that he was “feeling fantastic” after recovering from a dislocated elbow suffered Aug. 13.

“They gave me a timetable of four to six weeks, and I told them, ‘I’m playing Week 1, no matter what,’” Griffith said.