Attendance
Did not practice: Physically Unable to Perform List — S Delarrin Turner-Yell (knee) and LB Drew Sanders (Achilles). Non-Football Injury list — RB Blake Watson (muscle strain). Out — Brandon Jones (hamstring) and OL Nick Gargiulo.
Head coach Sean Payton said he expects Jones to be out for one to two weeks with a hamstring injury he suffered during practice on Friday. Jones watched from the sidelines, as he had a black sleeve covering his left leg.
“He’ll attack the rehab real quick, but I think two weeks would be realistic,” Payton said.
QB Race Today
The quarterbacks got a ton of work in the red zone on Saturday. As expected, Jarrett Stidham received first-team reps, with Bo Nix on second team and Zach Wilson leading the third team. All three quarterbacks were much better compared to the day before, and each threw a touchdown pass. After Nix committed a turnover during the first period of 11-on-11, he settled in and made a couple of impressive throws. He connected with wide receiver David Sills on an out route. Later, he found tight end Greg Dulcich in the back of the end zone for a touchdown. He also had the play of the day (more on that later).
Payton didn’t go into specifics but said that the quarterback rotation could change within the next two weeks.
“I’m not going to give daily updates,” Payton said. “There will be a time when you’ll see the rotation begin to change. And at some point, it’ll clear itself up.”
Top Play
Williams makes impressive touchdown grab: The second period of 11-on-11 featured running back Javonte Williams showcasing his receiving skills. Nix lobbed a pass to the corner of the end zone, where Williams made a touchdown grab while falling to the ground. Credit to Williams’ weight loss, as he continues to look quicker on the field.
Thumbs Up
Welcome back, Caden: While Jones was sidelined, safety Caden Sterns (knee) practiced for the first time since last fall, as he passed his physical and was removed from the PUP list. Sterns didn’t participate during the team period but was active during individual drills and the walk-through period.
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“We have to be real smart (with Sterns). … It’ll be a process,” Payton said.
Jonas Griffith can cover ground: Griffith made some nice plays in coverage during the 7-on-7 period in the red zone, including a pass breakup on third down. Griffith is competing against Cody Barton to start at inside linebacker alongside Alex Singleton. Griffith’s ability to make plays in coverage might be the difference in which player comes out on top. Earlier in the week, Griffith applied tight coverage on Adam Trautman, leading to a pass breakup.
Thumbs Down
Nix makes first mistake of camp: During 11-on-11, Nix’s pass attempt to tight end Greg Dulcich didn’t go as planned. Dulcich had multiple defenders surrounding him, but Nix still tried to make a play, resulting in cornerback Levi Wallace stepping in front of the throw and making the interception.
Inconsistency in the run game: It will be interesting to see how Denver’s rushing attack holds up when players put on the pads next week. However, on Saturday, the offense had a hard time getting anything from the run game, as the defensive line quickly closed in on the running backs multiple times. Running back Jaleel McLaughlin made a nice spin move to avoid contact, but he was only able to gain a couple of yards right after. Cornerback Reese Taylor would’ve tackled Tyler Badie for a loss, as he was in the running back’s face as soon as Nix tossed the ball.
Odds and Ends
• There has been a Troy Franklin sighting, finally. During the 7-on 7-period, Franklin sped past a defender before making a two-handed grab in the end zone off a throw from Wilson. Franklin has a lot of work to do, but his touchdown grab showed why the Broncos decided to move up in the fourth round to take him with the 102nd pick. Franklin’s speed is invaluable.
• Saturday was another day where Luke Wattenberg received the majority of the first team reps at center. Payton said Alex Forsyth has been splitting reps between center and guard.
• A week before being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Broncos legend Randy Gradishar told reporters he is excited but nervous about his big day on Aug. 3. He added that his speech has been written and approved. “I just gotta keep working on it,” he said.
• After spending the offseason in Denver, Wilson said he has grown comfortable with the play concepts. However, he is still learning new things every day, such as where players should be lining up and which player he should be sending in motion.
“I can always keep practicing and get more comfortable with it,” Wilson said. “But I’ve been good enough to function without any issues.”
• Punter Trenton Gill was used as a kickoff specialist during the special teams period of practice. If Denver believes Gill adds value in that department, that could separate him in the punter competition with Riley Dixon.
• As Dulcich continues to make plays on the field, Payton thinks his confidence will grow. This week marked the first time Dulcich has practiced since last winter after battling hamstring and foot injuries all of last season. He has been heavily involved in the team period and has moved around well on the field.
“Each day, we are seeing plays (from Dulcich),” Payton said. “But most importantly, you are seeing his confidence. We can wish for confidence but it’s born out of demonstrated ability. When he (makes a play), there’s an ounce of confidence that goes into the next practice.”
Sunday schedule
The Broncos are off on Sunday before they practice for six straight days, starting on Monday. Parking lots open at 8 a.m., gates at 9 a.m., and practice begins at 10 a.m.
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