Broncos cornerback Riley Moss (knee) was listed as a non-participant despite stretching with the team during Wednesday’s practice.
After Moss stretched, he did not participate in individual drills and went into the indoor practice field, where he worked with a trainer.
Moss missed Week 13’s win over the Browns due to an MCL injury that he suffered in Denver’s victory against the Raiders last month. The injury also kept him from practicing the week leading up to the team’s Monday night showdown against Cleveland.
This season, Moss has been a solid presence at outside cornerback. He has 71 tackles, an interception and eight passes defended in 12 starts. The former Iowa standout and high school track star also has given up 595 yards, two touchdowns and a passer rating of 89.4 on 78 targets.
In addition to Moss’ return, starting safety Brandon Jones was a limited participant due to an abdominal injury. Jones missed Denver’s matchup against the Falcons with the same injury. He was also an early exit in the game against the Browns because of a groin issue.
Sutton surprised by Reynolds departure: Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton said the team’s decision to let go of veteran wide receiver Josh Reynolds caught him off guard.
“I’m definitely going to miss Josh,” Sutton said. “I texted him after that happened. The guy was a true professional, a very selfless guy in our room and we appreciated him. I have so much love for him.”
Reynolds was waived by the team last week after he had totaled 12 catches for 198 yards and a touchdown in five games played. He was placed on injured reserve after Week 5’s win over Las Vegas due to a finger injury, which required minor surgery. While Reynolds recovered from his injury, he was shot twice in an incident during which he and two others had their vehicle shot at more than 30 times in what the Denver District Attorney’s Office called a “coordinated, organized” attack.
Payton said Monday the decision to move on from Reynolds came down to a numbers game. Payton added that the team would’ve liked to keep him but due to players returning from injury and the development of young players such as 26-year-old rookie Devaughn Vele (33 catches, 377 yards, one touchdown) and second-year wideout Marvin Mims Jr. (19 catches, 267 yards, two touchdowns), the Broncos had to make a tough decision.
“I think our young guys have shown up and continued to develop as we’ve wanted them to,” Sutton said. “The young guys are starting to find their niche and they’re making plays. That’s all you can ask for.”
Payton on Belichick becoming a college coach: One of the greatest coaches of all time is headed to the college level.
Former Patriots head coach Bill Belichick accepted a deal to become the next coach at North Carolina, according to an ESPN report. Before the news broke, Payton expressed optimism about Belichick being able to handle the college level.
“I’m sure he’s got a plan and he’s going to do what’s best,” Payton said. “I’m a big fan of his and think the world of him.”
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