Clayton: Fangio wants to play starters, but injuries will keep some Broncos out

Vic Fangio hasn’t indicated how long he will play his starters in the Broncos preseason finale against the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday night. On Thursday, he didn’t give an injury update and you can see he’s going to be cautious about Broncos who are hurt.

The headliner is tight end Noah Fant, who missed his third consecutive practice. He suffered a lower leg injury last Saturday in the win over Seattle. He played 21 snaps. Fangio doesn’t think he miss be the team’s regular-season opener, but Fant won’t play on Saturday.

He’s going to be cautious with wide receiver K.J. Hamler, who has an illness. He is unlikely to play. Fangio did say Hamler is feeling better.

Cornerback Michael Ojemudia (leg), running back Mike Boone (quad), safety Caden Sterns (leg) and safety Trey Marshall (ankle) also aren’t expected to play against the Ram. Fangio will let wide receiver Courtland Sutton take a few snaps. He has recovered from last year’s ACL tear.

With the Rams not expected to play starters, you would think this game should be another blowout. Fangio has been very aggressive in his first two preseason games. Minnesota and Seattle kept out their starters, helping the Broncos outscore those two teams 63-9.

Fangio wants to play his starters on Saturday. But due to injury, it won’t be all of them.