Broncos injury report: Wilson ‘probably a game-time’ decision after splitting reps with Rypien

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Russell Wilson looked a bit more mobile Friday as he went through a limited practice workload, splitting repetitions with Brett Rypien as the Broncos had their last full-scale practice before Sunday’s game with the New York Jets.

“They both went in with starters, yes,” Broncos coach Nathaniel Hackett confirmed after practice.

For Rypien, it was a marked change in workload. During a normal week, Rypien said he gets “very limited” repetitions with the first-team — “maybe a couple of run plays,” he said.

Hackett expects that the choice as to whether to play Wilson or start Rypien will linger to Sunday.

“[Wilson] is day-to-day up to this point, so it’ll probably be a game-time [decision],” Hackett said.

Added Rypien: “We’ve split reps in practice and stuff, and I’ve been taking more reps obviously this week. But I haven’t heard anything for sure.”

Hackett on Wilson. Says Rypien and Wilson had reps with the first unit pic.twitter.com/6iSiM84DLJ

— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) October 21, 2022

If Wilson plays, Hackett said that the offense can adjust its play-calling to account for his mobility being affected by the hamstring injury.

“We can always adjust anything to make sure we’ve got the best scenario out there. We just want to be sure that he can protect himself,” he said. “I think that’s the most important thing.”

Hackett also added that Wilson’s shoulder/lat-muscle injury isn’t an issue.

“Just the hamstring,” he said.

Hackett also described Wilson’s form in practice this week as “good,” adding, “He’s a grinder. He works hard; he’s tough. That’s who he is. He fights through everything.”

Russell Wilson throws early in practice: pic.twitter.com/qQ3C9Xy3I8

— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) October 21, 2022

ALSO LISTED as questionable for Sunday are:

• ILB Josey Jewell (knee)
• DL D.J. Jones (ankle)
• RG Quinn Meinerz (foot)
• DL DeShawn Williams (back)

The only Bronco on the 53-player roster who did not practice Friday was cornerback Essang Bassey. Hackett ruled him out for Sunday due to the hamstring injury Bassey incurred Monday in the loss to the Chargers.

Safety Caden Sterns is doubtful. He practiced two days this week on a limited basis after missing Monday night’s game due to a lingering hip issue. If Sterns cannot play Sunday, P.J. Locke is expected to get dime-back reps in his place.

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