Broncos-Texans inactives: Josey Jewell, Nik Bonitto scratched

DENVER — Josey Jewell returned to practice Friday, but did not progress enough to return from a calf injury and will not play for the Broncos against Houston on Sunday.

Jewell suffered the calf injury in practice Sept. 8. He missed the rest of the Week 1 practices, then sat out last Wednesday and Thursday before returning to the field on a limited basis last Friday.

With Jewell out, Alex Singleton will make his second consecutive start. Singleton will also wear the green-dot helmet with a radio receiver to handle defensive play-calls.

Also scratched was edge rusher Nik Bonitto. The second-round pick was active last week, but was one of two players to not see any snaps, along with backup QB Brett Rypien.

Denver’s inactives also include:

• Right guard Quinn Meinerz, who injured his hamstring last week. Graham Glasgow will start in his place.
• Right tackle Billy Turner, who continues to work his way back from a knee injury. Cameron Fleming will make his second consecutive start for Turner.
• Wide receivers KJ Hamler (knee/hip) and Jalen Virgil. Denver ruled Hamler out after he did not practice all week.
• Defensive end Enyi Uwazurike.

With Bonitto and Uwauzurike inactive, the Broncos will play this game without three of their first four 2022 draft picks on the field. Third-round pick Greg Dulcich remains on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. Of the Broncos’ four picks in the first four rounds, only CB Damarri Mathis has played so far this regular season. Mathis is active once again.

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