Broncos injury update: Russell Wilson advances to limited work

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Broncos upgraded Russell Wilson to a limited practice workload Thursday, four days after he suffered a concussion in the fourth quarter of their 34-28 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

“He’s limited today, so, he’ll get a little bit more [work],” Broncos coach Nathaniel Hackett said.

Wilson worked during the individual period of Wednesday’s practice. In that phase, Wilson could not do any work in team periods. As a result, the Broncos listed Wilson as not practicing.

Being in Phase 4 would permit Wilson to take part in some team-period work.

More Russell Wilson: pic.twitter.com/nON1hj0429

— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) December 15, 2022

“We’re taking it day-by-day and just going through the protocol like we should,” Hackett said.

While Wilson practiced, defensive end Dre’Mont Jones did not. It marked the second consecutive practice missed by Jones due to a hip injury.

“He’s seeing some hip specialists, and so, he’s another guy that’s day-by-day,” Hackett said. “We’re just checking through everything, making sure we’re doing what’s right for him.”

Jones posted an image of himself on his Instagram story Wednesday night from the Steadman-Philippon Research Institute in Vail. “I’ve been in this room for 4 hours waiting for the doctor,” he wrote in the caption.

Dre’Mont Jones posted on his IG story that he was at the Steadman Philippon Research Institute in Vail. He missed Wednesday’s practice due to a hip issue. pic.twitter.com/aO09D07iPz

— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) December 15, 2022

Wide receivers Courtland Sutton and Kendall Hinton also remained out due to hamstring injuries.

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PLAYERS BEING WORKED BACK FROM IR

OL Billy Turner and edge rusher Randy Gregory worked for a second consecutive day. Both are in the ramp-up period. Denver designated both for return from injured reserve Wednesday.

Gregory “looked good” during his work Wednesday, Hackett noted.

“It was great to see him out there,” Hackett said. “He runs around so well, and he was excited to be out there with the guys. So, we really loved seeing him out there. He’s progressing well.

“Excited to see him hopefully on Sunday.”

Broncos offensive coordinator Justin Outten hopes to see Turner back, referring to him as a “cornerstone” on the offensive line.

“He’s also a calming presence in the huddle sometimes when you’ve gotta look to somebody,” Outten said. “He’s a guy that can get everybody level-headed. He’s great in the meeting rooms.

“He’s great on the field. He’s great in the huddle. He’s seen a lot of ball. He’s seen a lot of issues. He’s seen a lot of greatness. So, he’s a guy that, really, everybody can rally around.”

If the Broncos activate Turner and Gregory, they would have just one activation from injured reserve remaining. Center Lloyd Cushenberry would be a candidate for that; he remains on injured reserve due to a groin injury suffered Oct. 30 in London.

“We would love to have Lloyd out there,” Hackett said. “We’re just playing that, again, day-by-day.”

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ALSO OF NOTE:

Safety Kareem Jackson saw a full workload after seeing limited work Wednesday. … ILB Dakota Allen and TE Andrew Beck practiced for a second consecutive day after returning to work Wednesday following two weeks sidelined due to hamstring injuries.

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