Tag: Devaughn Vele

5 takeaways from Broncos’ loss to Chargers in Week 6

The Broncos fell to the Chargers in Week 6. Here are five quick takeaways from the loss.

The Denver Broncos dropped to 3-3 on Sunday following a 23-16 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers at home. Here are five quick takeaways from Sunday’s game.

1. Pat Surtain’s exit was felt on defense: After PS2 left with a concussion, the secondary allowed Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert to have his first 200-yard passing game of 2024. Riley Moss held up well all things considered and Levi Wallace was fine, but Ja’Quan McMillian had a crucial penalty late in the game that hurt the team’s comeback effort. Surtain was missed on Sunday and he seems unlikely to play on Thursday.

2. Javonte Williams had a rough game: Williams averaged less than four yards per carry (3.8), lost a fumble and dropped a pass. Meanwhile, rookie Audric Estime returned from injured reserve and led the team’s backfield with 6.5 yards per carry (on a small sample size of two carries). Perhaps we’ll see more of Estime going forward.

3. The offensive line held up OK: Without right tackle Mike McGlinchey (or fill-in right tackle Alex Palczewski) or center Luke Wattenberg, the offensive line still turned in a respectable performance. Bo Nix often had time to throw, but he didn’t always take advantage of it. Nix was sacked twice, but Matt Peart (right tackle) and Alex Forsyth (center) were serviceable fill-in linemen this week.

4. Devaughn Vele picked up where he left off: Vele led the team in targets (eight) and catches (eight) in Week 1 and then went four straight games inactive, initially due to a ribs injury. After Josh Reynolds (hand) was placed on injured reserve, Vele returned to the lineup and he once again led the team in targets (six) and catches (four), tying with Courtland Sutton in both categories. Nix clearly trusts the rookie WR, and he could be featured in the offense going forward.

5. Bo Nix did his best Tim Tebow impression: Nix (and the entire offense) was invisible for the first half and even the third quarter. After scoring zero points through 45 minutes, Nix led three scoring drives in the fourth quarter, but the comeback bid fell short after a failed onside kick attempt. Nix ended the day 19-of-33 passing for 216 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. He also led the team with 61 rushing yards. If the Broncos are going to get back above .500, they’ll need Nix to start playing like it’s the fourth quarter from the first snap.

[vertical-gallery id=620142]

9 players did not play in Broncos’ game vs. Chargers

Nine Broncos players did not play on Sunday while Audric Estime and Devaughn Vele returned and Eyioma Uwazurike made his 2024 debut.

Nine members of the 53-man roster did not play in the Denver Broncos‘ 23-16 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.

Broncos quarterback Zach Wilson*, running back Blake Watson, cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine, safety JL Skinner, defensive back Keidron Smith, offensive tackle Alex Palczewski (ankle) and tight end Greg Dulcich were inactive in Week 6.

Everyone except Palczewski was a healthy scratch. Despite being inactive, Wilson still dressed as the team’s emergency third-string quarterback on Sunday.

Bo Nix played every snap on offense, so primary backup Jarrett Stidham also did not play, and backup offensive lineman Calvin Throckmorton was not called into action. That gave the Broncos nine total players who did not see the field against the Chargers.

Broncos who did not play in Week 6

  1. QB Zach Wilson (emergency third QB)
  2. RB Blake Watson
  3. CB Kris Abrams-Draine
  4. DB JL Skinner
  5. DB Keidron Smith
  6. OT Alex Palczewski (ankle)
  7. TE Greg Dulcich
  8. QB Jarrett Stidham (active)
  9. OL Calvin Throckmorton (active)

Audric Estime returned at running back after being activated from injured reserve, defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike was active for the first time this season and Devaughn Vele was back in the lineup after missing the last four games. Up next is a Thursday Night Football showdown with the New Orleans Saints in Week 7.

[vertical-gallery id=620142]

Broncos inactives: 7 players won’t play vs. Chargers

Broncos inactives today: Zach Wilson*, Blake Watson, Kris Abrams-Draine, JL Skinner, Keidron Smith, Alex Palczewski and Greg Dulcich.

The Denver Broncos have announced their list of seven inactive players for Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Broncos quarterback Zach Wilson*, running back Blake Watson, cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine, safety JL Skinner, defensive back Keidron Smith, offensive tackle Alex Palczewski (ankle) and tight end Greg Dulcich are inactive today.

*Technically, Wilson is still available to play as the team’s emergency third-string quarterback behind starter Bo Nix and primary backup Jarrett Stidham, but he’s on the inactive list and does not count against the game-day roster. Wilson can play if both Nix and Stidham are injured.

With the exception of Wilson, these inactive players are members of the 53-man roster who are not eligible to play against the Chargers. They will be reactivated on Monday.

Of note for Los Angeles, star pass rusher Joey Bosa (hip) is inactive today.

Defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike is active for the first time this season. Wide receiver Devaughn Vele is also active following the Josh Reynolds injury and running back Audric Estime returns after being activated from injured reserve on Saturday.

Broncos inactives

  1. QB Zach Wilson*
  2. RB Blake Watson
  3. CB Kris Abrams-Draine
  4. DB JL Skinner
  5. DB Keidron Smith
  6. OT Alex Palczewski (ankle)
  7. TE Greg Dulcich

The Broncos’ game against the Chargers will be regionally televised on CBS. Despite playing at home with a three-game winning streak, Denver is considered an underdog against L.A. this week.

[vertical-gallery id=620142]

Broncos depth chart for Sunday’s game vs. Chargers

Here’s a look at the Broncos’ depth chart for Sunday’s game against the Chargers.

After making a flurry of roster moves earlier this week, the Denver Broncos have set their 53-man roster ahead of Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers.

The Broncos have not yet officially updated their depth chart, but we have unofficially added the new players where they are expected to land.

So with the context in mind that this is not completely official, here’s a look at Denver’s depth chart ahead of the team’s AFC West showdown with Los Angeles.

Broncos offensive depth chart

WR Marvin Mims Troy Franklin
LT Garett Bolles Cam Fleming
LG Ben Powers Alex Palczewski
C Alex Forsyth Calvin Throckmorton
RG Quinn Meinerz Alex Palczewski
RT Matt Peart Frank Crum Cam Fleming
TE Adam Trautman Greg Dulcich Lucas Krull
WR Courtland Sutton Lil’Jordan Humphrey Devaughn Vele
RB Javonte Williams Jaleel McLaughlin Audric Estime Blake Watson
FB Michael Burton Nate Adkins
QB Bo Nix Jarrett Stidham Zach Wilson

Broncos defensive depth chart

DE Zach Allen Jordan Jackson
NT D.J. Jones Malcolm Roach
DE John Franklin-Myers Eyioma Uwazurike
SLB Jonathon Cooper Jonah Elliss
WLB Nik Bonitto Dondrea Tillman
ILB Justin Strnad Kristian Welch
ILB Cody Barton Levelle Bailey
LCB Pat Surtain Levi Wallace Tremon Smith
RCB Riley Moss Kris Abrams-Draine
NCB Ja’Quan McMillian
S P.J. Locke JL Skinner Tanner McCalister
S Brandon Jones Devon Key Keidron Smith

Broncos special teams depth chart

PK Wil Lutz
KO Wil Lutz
P Riley Dixon
H Riley Dixon
LS Mitchell Fraboni
KR Marvin Mims Tremon Smith Jaleel McLaughlin
PR Marvin Mims Tremon Smith

The Broncos’ game against the Chargers will be regionally televised on CBS. Despite playing at home with a three-game winning streak, Denver is considered an underdog against L.A. this week.

[vertical-gallery id=620142]

Broncos vs. Chargers: 5 things to watch for in Week 6

The Broncos are set to host the Chargers on Sunday. Here are five storylines to keep an eye on leading up to the game.

The Denver Broncos (3-2) are set to host the Los Angeles Chargers (2-2) in Week 6 of the 2024 NFL season on Sunday afternoon. Here’s a quick list of five storylines to keep an eye on leading up to the AFC West showdown.

1. The next next man up at right tackle: After losing Mike McGlinchey to a knee injury, the Broncos turned to Alex Palczewski at right tackle and he played very well before suffering an ankle injury. Palczewski is believed to have suffered a high ankle sprain, which could make him a candidate for injured reserve. McGlinchey will be eligible to return from IR next week, but Denver will need a one-game fill-in against the Chargers. Matt Peart is the most likely candidate. The Broncos also have Frank Crum on the active roster and veteran Cam Fleming on the practice squad.

2. Devaughn Vele’s potential return at wide receiver: After leading the team with eight catches in Week 1, Vele injured his ribs and has not played since his debut. Vele has not appeared on the injury report in recent weeks so it seems that he has recovered. Josh Reynolds missed the last two days of practice with a hand injury and if Reynolds is not able to play on Sunday, Vele seems likely to return to the lineup.

3. A new center: Palczewski isn’t the only lineman battling an ankle injury this week. Starting center Luke Wattenberg has also been sidelined, which likely means Alex Forsyth is set to make his first NFL start against Los Angeles. Forsyth played with Bo Nix in college, so he already has existing chemistry with the rookie quarterback.

4. Joey Bosa’s uncertain status: The Chargers’ star pass rusher missed the last two days of practice with a hip injury, putting his status in doubt for Week 6. Denver’s banged-up offensive line would benefit from not having to face Bosa, who has 7.5 sacks in 12 career games against the Broncos.

5. Bo Nix against the NFL’s best defense: Putting aside an abnormal rain game against the Jets (67.9) two weeks ago, Nix’s passer rating has otherwise been trending up this season from 47.5 to 55.2 to 85.0 to 117.2. He’s now set to face a huge test when he goes up against an L.A. defense that ranks No. 1 in points allowed this season (12.5 per game). Nix has not had a single turnover during the team’s three-game winning streak and he has done a good job of eluding sacks. If Denver’s going to keep the streak going, Nix will need another strong performance against a tough Chargers squad.

[vertical-gallery id=620142]

Broncos release depth chart for Week 6 game vs. Chargers

Here’s a look at the Broncos’ depth chart for Sunday’s game against the Chargers.

After making a flurry of roster moves earlier this week, the Denver Broncos have set their 53-man roster ahead of Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers.

The team made multiple changes to the practice squad, but the only active roster change so far this week was linebacker Levelle Bailey getting promoted from the practice squad to the 53-man roster.

Following that change, here’s a look at the Broncos’ updated depth chart going into this week’s AFC West showdown with the Chargers.

Broncos offensive depth chart

WR Josh Reynolds Marvin Mims Troy Franklin
LT Garett Bolles Matt Peart
LG Ben Powers Alex Palczewski
C Luke Wattenberg Alex Forsyth
RG Quinn Meinerz Alex Palczewski
RT Alex Palczewski Frank Crum
TE Adam Trautman Greg Dulcich Lucas Krull
WR Courtland Sutton Lil’Jordan Humphrey Devaughn Vele
RB Javonte Williams Jaleel McLaughlin Blake Watson
FB Michael Burton Nate Adkins
QB Bo Nix Jarrett Stidham Zach Wilson

Broncos defensive depth chart

DE Zach Allen Jordan Jackson
NT D.J. Jones Malcolm Roach
DE John Franklin-Myers Eyioma Uwazurike
SLB Jonathon Cooper Jonah Elliss
WLB Nik Bonitto Dondrea Tillman
ILB Justin Strnad Kristian Welch
ILB Cody Barton Levelle Bailey
LCB Pat Surtain Levi Wallace Tremon Smith
RCB Riley Moss Kris Abrams-Draine
NCB Ja’Quan McMillian
S P.J. Locke JL Skinner
S Brandon Jones Devon Key Keidron Smith

Broncos special teams depth chart

PK Wil Lutz
KO Wil Lutz
P Riley Dixon
H Riley Dixon
LS Mitchell Fraboni
KR Marvin Mims Tremon Smith Jaleel McLaughlin
PR Marvin Mims Tremon Smith

The Broncos’ game against the Chargers will be regionally televised on CBS. Despite playing at home with a three-game winning streak, Denver is considered an underdog against L.A. this week.

[vertical-gallery id=620142]

6 players did not play in Broncos’ big win over Raiders

Six Broncos players did not play against the Raiders, including TE Greg Dulcich, who was a healthy scratch for the first time this season.

Six members of the 53-man roster did not play in the Denver Broncos‘ 34-18 win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday.

Broncos quarterback Zach Wilson*, tight end Greg Dulcich, wide receiver Devaughn Vele, cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine and defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike were inactive in Week 5.

All five players were healthy scratches, including Dulcich, who was benched after failing to impress through the team’s first four games.

Despite being inactive, Wilson still dressed as the team’s emergency third-string quarterback on Sunday. Bo Nix played every snap on offense, so primary backup Jarrett Stidham also did not play, giving Denver six total players who did not see the field against the Raiders.

Broncos coach Sean Payton was asked about Vele being a healthy scratch in recent games last Friday.

“He’s playing sooner than later,” Payton said. “He’s doing well. He’s doing well.”

Vele will have to wait at least one more week.

[vertical-gallery id=620142]

Broncos inactives: TE Greg Dulcich won’t play vs. Raiders

Broncos inactives vs. Raiders today: QB Zach Wilson*, WR Devaughn Vele, CB Kris Abrams-Draine, TE Greg Dulcich and DL Eyioma Uwazurike.

The Denver Broncos have announced their list of five inactive players for Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Broncos quarterback Zach Wilson*, tight end Greg Dulcich, wide receiver Devaughn Vele, cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine and defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike are inactive today.

With Dulcich a healthy scratch, tight end Lucas Krull is set to make his 2024 debut today.

*Technically, Wilson is still available to play as the team’s emergency third-string quarterback behind starter Bo Nix and primary backup Jarrett Stidham, but he’s on the inactive list and does not count against the game-day roster. Wilson can play if both Nix and Stidham are injured.

With the exception of Wilson, these inactive players are members of the 53-man roster who are not eligible to play against the Raiders. They will be reactivated on Monday.

Broncos inactives

  1. QB Zach Wilson*
  2. WR Devaughn Vele
  3. CB Kris Abrams-Draine
  4. TE Greg Dulcich
  5. DL Eyioma Uwazurike

Elsewhere on the roster front, Denver elevated linebacker Levelle Bailey from the practice squad to the game-day roster on Saturday. Bailey will revert back to the practice squad on Monday.

Sunday’s game will be regionally televised on Fox. The Broncos are considered favorites at home this week.

[vertical-gallery id=620142]

Broncos depth chart for Week 5 game vs. Raiders

Here’s a look at the Broncos’ depth chart for Sunday’s game against the Raiders.

After making two changes to their practice squad earlier this week, the Denver Broncos have released their updated depth chart ahead of Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

After losing linebacker Alex Singleton to a torn ACL, Justin Strnad is the next man up at inside linebacker. Right now, Kristian Welch is listed as the backup for both ILB spots, but Levelle Bailey was elevated from the practice squad to the game-day roster ahead of Sunday’s game.

Denver also placed running back Tyler Badie (back) on injured reserve on Saturday, ruling him out for at least four games.

Here’s a look at the Broncos’ depth chart going into this week’s AFC West showdown.

Broncos offensive depth chart

WR Josh Reynolds Marvin Mims Troy Franklin
LT Garett Bolles Matt Peart
LG Ben Powers Alex Palczewski
C Luke Wattenberg Alex Forsyth
RG Quinn Meinerz Alex Palczewski
RT Alex Palczewski Frank Crum
TE Adam Trautman Greg Dulcich Lucas Krull
WR Courtland Sutton Lil’Jordan Humphrey Devaughn Vele
RB Javonte Williams Jaleel McLaughlin Tyler Badie Blake Watson
FB Michael Burton Nate Adkins
QB Bo Nix Jarrett Stidham Zach Wilson

Broncos defensive depth chart

DE Zach Allen Jordan Jackson
NT D.J. Jones Malcolm Roach
DE John Franklin-Myers Eyioma Uwazurike
SLB Jonathon Cooper Jonah Elliss
WLB Nik Bonitto Dondrea Tillman
ILB Justin Strnad Kristian Welch Levelle Bailey
ILB Cody Barton Kristian Welch Levelle Bailey
LCB Pat Surtain Levi Wallace Tremon Smith
RCB Riley Moss Kris Abrams-Draine
NCB Ja’Quan McMillian
S P.J. Locke JL Skinner
S Brandon Jones Devon Key Keidron Smith

Broncos special teams depth chart

PK Wil Lutz
KO Wil Lutz
P Riley Dixon
H Riley Dixon
LS Mitchell Fraboni
KR Marvin Mims Tremon Smith Jaleel McLaughlin
PR Marvin Mims Tremon Smith

The Broncos’ game against the Raiders will be regionally televised on Fox. Denver is considered a favorite at home this week.

[vertical-gallery id=620142]

Broncos release depth chart for Week 5 game vs. Raiders

Here’s a look at the Broncos’ depth chart for Sunday’s game against the Raiders.

After making two changes to their practice squad earlier this week, the Denver Broncos have released their updated depth chart ahead of Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

After losing linebacker Alex Singleton to a torn ACL, Justin Strnad is the next man up at inside linebacker. Right now, Kristian Welch is listed as the backup for both ILB spots, but the team elevated Levelle Bailey from the practice squad to the game-day roster last week.

NFL teams can also call up two players from the practice squad to the game-day roster each week. Bailey might be a candidate to get elevated again in Week 5.

Here’s a look at the Broncos’ depth chart going into Sunday’s game.

Broncos offensive depth chart

WR Josh Reynolds Marvin Mims Troy Franklin
LT Garett Bolles Matt Peart
LG Ben Powers Alex Palczewski
C Luke Wattenberg Alex Forsyth
RG Quinn Meinerz Alex Palczewski
RT Alex Palczewski Frank Crum
TE Adam Trautman Greg Dulcich Lucas Krull
WR Courtland Sutton Lil’Jordan Humphrey Devaughn Vele
RB Javonte Williams Jaleel McLaughlin Tyler Badie Blake Watson
FB Michael Burton Nate Adkins
QB Bo Nix Jarrett Stidham Zach Wilson

Broncos defensive depth chart

DE Zach Allen Jordan Jackson
NT D.J. Jones Malcolm Roach
DE John Franklin-Myers Eyioma Uwazurike
SLB Jonathon Cooper Jonah Elliss
WLB Nik Bonitto Dondrea Tillman
ILB Justin Strnad Kristian Welch
ILB Cody Barton Kristian Welch
LCB Pat Surtain Levi Wallace Tremon Smith
RCB Riley Moss Kris Abrams-Draine
NCB Ja’Quan McMillian
S P.J. Locke JL Skinner
S Brandon Jones Devon Key Keidron Smith

Broncos special teams depth chart

PK Wil Lutz
KO Wil Lutz
P Riley Dixon
H Riley Dixon
LS Mitchell Fraboni
KR Marvin Mims Tremon Smith Jaleel McLaughlin
PR Marvin Mims Tremon Smith

The Broncos’ game against the Raiders will be regionally televised on Fox. Denver is considered a favorite at home this week.

[vertical-gallery id=620142]