Broncos injury update: D.J. Jones still in concussion protocol

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Helmets went back on after a Wednesday “hat-day” practice, but D.J. Jones remained in the league-mandated post-concussion protocol as the Broncos continued getting ready for Sunday’s game against Las Vegas.

Jones entered the protocol after suffering a concussion against San Francisco last Sunday.

“Obviously, with those head things, we want to make sure safety is the most important thing, so we just want to make sure that he’s good throughout that process,” Broncos coach Nathaniel Hackett said. “As he evaluates through it, we’ll find out if he can play.”

The concussion-recovery process can be a tricky one. In Las Vegas, Raiders WR Hunter Renfrow remains in the concussion protocol after he suffered his injury in Week 2 on Sept. 18.

The news was better for LG Dalton Risner. He returned to practice on a limited basis after injuring his ankle last Sunday. Edge rusher Randy Gregory also saw limited work Thursday after sitting out Wednesday’s work. This is his normal procedure and he is expected to play Sunday.

In addition to Jones, four other Broncos did not practice:

• WR Tyrie Cleveland (hamstring)
• Edge rusher Jonathon Cooper (hamstring)
• CB Darius Phillips (hamstring)
• RT Billy Turner (knee)

Joining Gregory and Risner in seeing limited work Thursday were:

• RB Melvin Gordon (neck)
• RG Quinn Meinerz (hamstring)
• NT Mike Purcell (neck)
• S Caden Sterns (hip)

All four saw limited work Wednesday, as well.

Purcell would likely see an increased workload Sunday if Jones cannot play.

Everyone else had a full workload. TE Greg Dulcich was among those seen working on the side field. Dulcich and CB Michael Ojemudia are eligible to come off injured reserve next week.

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