Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller is questionable for Sunday’s game against the Chargers.
After sitting out practice Wednesday and Thursday with a knee injury, Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller was limited at practice on Friday and is listed as questionable on the team’s final injury report.
“He’s gotten better every day,” coach Vic Fangio said Friday. “He didn’t practice the first two days, but he was doing some stuff and today he made progress. It’s truly 50-50 whether he’ll be able to go or not.”
If Miller does not play against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, Malik Reed and Jeremiah Attaochu would likely be the team’s two starting outside linebackers.
Denver inside linebackers Alexander Johnson (knee) and Josey Jewell (ankle) are also questionable for Sunday. Joseph Jones and Josh Watson are the team’s available backup inside linebackers.
Fangio also said that if right tackle Ja’Wuan James (knee) is healthy enough to dress, he will start the game. It’s uncertain if that means Elijah Wilkinson would start at left tackle if James is healthy. Wilkinson has been starting on the right side of the line as an injury fill-in for James.
Taking a look at the final injury reports for the Chargers and Broncos.
The Los Angeles Chargers had their final practice of the week before heading out to Denver to take on the Broncos on Sunday afternoon.
Here is a look at the final injury report:
QUESTIONABLE
OT Russell Okung
OT Sam Tevi
WR Geremy Davis
Things are looking up for Okung and Tevi to return to the starting lineup this weekends. Okung was a full participant after being limited the past two practices, while Tevi remained limited.
Safeties Derwin James and Adrian Phillips’ availability for Week 13 is up in the air. Coach Anthony Lynn hasn’t made a decision on activating James for Sunday. But he said James looked healthy this week in practice.
Here is a look at the Broncos’ final injury report:
QUESTIONABLE
LB Von Miller
LB Alexander Johnson
LB Josey Jewell
NT Shelby Harris
CB Duke Dawson
OT Ja’Wuan James
According to coach Vic Fangio, Miller and Johnson are “truly 50-50” to play this weekend.
Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez lists the four matchups to watch when the Chargers take on the Broncos in Week 13.
The Los Angeles Chargers (4-7) take on the Denver Broncos (3-8) in Week 13 of the 2019 regular season.
Here are four matchups to keep an eye on that could ultimately determine the outcome of the game.
Chargers QB Philip Rivers vs. Broncos secondary
In the first meeting of the season, Rivers’ performance wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows as he was held to 211 passing yards, zero touchdowns and two interceptions. Since then, has accumulated 14 interceptions on the season and is looking to get back on track, but it won’t be easy facing a stout Broncos secondary.
Led by cornerback Chris Harris Jr. and safety Justin Simmons, Denver hasn’t made life easy on opposing quarterbacks, allowing only 207.5 passing yards per game, which ranks fifth in the NFL. Although they’re strong in this area, they haven’t been able to take the ball away, totaling only 10 takeaways this season.
Rivers, who’s been susceptible to making poor decisions and throwing the ball to whoever in hopes of them coming down with the catch, can’t do that on Sunday or else they will make him pay. Rivers has thrown six interceptions the past three games that the two teams have played against each other.
Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (knee) missed practice again Thursday.
The Denver Broncos (3-8) will host the Los Angeles Chargers (4-7) at Empower Field at Mile High in Week 13 of the 2019 NFL season on Sunday, Dec. 1 at 2:25 p.m. MT. The game will air on CBS and in-market fans can stream the contest using FuboTV (try it free).
Denver’s injury report from Thursday can be seen below. DNP = did not participate.
Player
Injury
Wed
Thur
Fri
Status
DB Duke Dawson
Concussion
DNP
DNP
DE Shelby Harris
Ankle
DNP
Limited
LB Josey Jewell
Ankle
DNP
Limited
LB Alexander Johnson
Knee
DNP
DNP
LB Von Miller
Knee
DNP
DNP
LB Justin Hollins
Hamstring
Limited
Limited
OL Ron Leary
Shoulder/Neck
Limited
Limited
OL Connor McGovern
Back
Limited
Limited
WR Tim Patrick
Shoulder
Limited
Limited
Los Angeles’ injury report from Thursday can be seen below.
Player
Injury
Wed
Thur
Fri
Status
LB Thomas Davis
Knee
Limited
Full
OT Russell Okung
Groin
Limited
Limited
OT Sam Tevi
Knee
Limited
Limited
WR Mike Williams
Knee
Limited
Full
Sunday’s game will begin at 2:25 p.m. MT on CBS (view the TV map).
Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller had an MRI on his knee and is expected to be fine, coach Vic Fangio said.
Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller has a knee injury but coach Vic Fangio does not seem to believe it is serious.
“I think he’s fine,” Fangio said during his Monday press conference. “He came in for treatment today and is getting some tests, but he’s fine at this point.”
Fangio said wide receiver Courtland Sutton tweaked his ankle on Sunday but he should be fine as well. The coach also provided brief updates on inside linebacker Josey Jewell, cornerback Duke Dawson Jr. and defensive end Shelby Harris.
“We think they’ll be fine,” Fangio said. “Duke is in the concussion protocol, so that’s all in their hands. The other two guys have tweaked their ankles. We’re hopeful that they’ll be fine by the end of the week.”
A big storyline heading into the Bills’ Week 12 meeting with the Denver Broncos was the potential for a big outing from All-Pro pass rusher Von Miller.
A big storyline heading into the Bills’ Week 12 meeting with the Denver Broncos was the potential for a big outing from All-Pro pass rusher Von Miller.
Miller did make an impact on the game. He had a sack and two tackles for loss. But it didn’t feel that way and even he had to admit that to ESPN following the game. The Bills handled the Broncos 20-3 and after being a non-factor for most of the day, Miller tipped his cap to Dion Dawkins and Cody Ford.
“(Ford) played well. Wish I could have had a couple more chances, but he played well. (Dion) Dawkins played well too. I think in unison with Josh Allen they played a good game. They did well. Cody should feel good about the way he played today. Dawkins should too,” Miller said.
Sure, only passing the Bills only passing the ball 25 times helps, but the reason for this storyline was before of Ford’s relatively poor play during his rookie season. Veteran Ty Nsekhe appeared to start getting some footing on the Bills’ starting right tackle job in recent weeks because of this. Via Pro Football Focus, Ford entered the game with an overall grade of 53.7 this season, compared to Nsekhe’s 67.3.
The vet missed the day due to an ankle injury and could be out a few weeks. It’s too early to declare Ford “back” or “arrived,” but it’s a positive game for a young player still learning. Nothing wrong with that.
With the Dallas Cowboys en route, Ford’s going to likely be pressed into duty again on a short week ahead.
On the edges, the Cowboys sport Robert Quinn and Demarcus Lawrence, who have 9.5 and 4.5 sacks this season, respectively. PFF also grades Lawrence, who’s likely to lineup opposite of Ford more frequently on Thursday, the 10th best edge defender in the NFL with an overall grade of 87.0.
While now having some experience, Ford’s being tossed right into a big time fire with Nsekhe out, but he’s holding his own so far.
The Bills host the Broncos in Week 12 at New Era Field. To learn more about Sunday’s visitors, we spoke to our Jon Heath, Managing Editor at Broncos Wire, for more info:
The Bills host the Broncos in Week 12 at New Era Field. To learn more about Sunday’s visitors, we spoke to our Jon Heath, Managing Editor at Broncos Wire, for more info:
1. What’s your brief analysis of Vic Fangio this year? He was a veteran coaching hire when most of the league has gone the youthful way and there’s those rumblings of discontent that have been floated about him recently as well.
Several players — veterans and rookies — have disputed those rumblings, as has GM John Elway. So make of that what you will. Fangio’s biggest strength is his work on the defensive side of the ball and he’s delivered there. The offense still hasn’t arrived but Fangio can’t help what players Elway put on the roster (cough, Joe Flacco, cough). Denver’s record is poor but they’ve have four close games — including a near-upset against the Vikings last week — so I think most Broncos fans are optimistic about the future under Fangio.
2. Only five sacks this year, is Von Miller still playing at a high level? Expecting him to have plenty of opportunity against rookie Cody Ford on Sunday.
Some pundits have pointed to Miller’s “low” sack total as evidence that Vic Fangio’s scheme is not getting the best out of the team’s star pass rusher. What those pundits don’t mention is that Denver hasn’t gotten much production from their interior pass rushers in recent years. This season, Shelby Harris and Derek Wolfe have totaled four and five sacks, respectively, due in part to teams giving extra attention to Miller. DeMarcus Walker has totaled four sacks as well. If Miller stole three sacks from each of those players, he would have 14 sacks so far. That would be a great season for Miller but the team’s sack total would remain the same. It doesn’t really matter where the sacks come from in Fangio’s defense, just as long as they do come. Miller’s not the player he once was but he’s still a great edge defender and dangerous pass rusher.
3. Courtland Sutton makes me shake my head. He was drafted in the same second-round area as ex-Bill Zay Jones but just a year later. Is he as legit as it seems?
It really is surprising that Sutton fell to the second round — the Broncos must have been delighted about that. He’s the reason why the team was comfortable with trading away Demaryius Thomas, the second-best WR in franchise history. So it seems like Denver certainly believes he’s legit. Sutton has been a great asset for first-year starter Brandon Allen and he looks like a guy would could be one of the Broncos’ best offensive players for the next decade.
4. Phillip Lindsay or Royce Freeman? Who should we expect to see more of? Buffalo’s run defense is suspect.
Lindsay for sure. Freeman will get his share of carries but Lindsay is without question the team’s lead running back. Lindsay got 52 snaps to Freeman’s 24 snaps last week and he’s on pace for another 1,000-yard season. Freeman is on pace for about 650 rushing yards.
5. What’s your prediction for Sunday and why?
It’s hard to call this game. Denver’s coming off a heartbreaking loss in Minnesota, which should give the team some extra motivation. The Broncos’ defense might be able to hold up against the Bills’ offense but Denver’s own offense hasn’t played a complete game all season. It’s probably going to be a low-scoring contest. Broncos, 17-14.
The 7-3 Buffalo Bills meet the 3-7 Denver Broncos this Sunday at New Era Field. Buffalo is riding high after it’s best offensive endeavor of the season against the Dolphins in Week 11. Denver is one of the better teams in the NFL with a sub .500 record, and will be a handful to compete against.
Here is everything that you need to know about the history between Denver and Buffalo:
Buffalo and Denver first met on September 18, 1960 in the inaugural season of the AFL. Denver won that game 27-21.
Buffalo won nine straight against Denver between 1962 and 1967.
Buffalo and Denver met in the 1991 AFC Championship Game. The Bills narrowly defeated the Broncos 10-7.
Their last meeting was on September 24, 2017. The Bills won 26-16.
The Bills have the all-time record lead, at 20-16-1 against Denver in the regular season.
The Bills also lead in scoring all-time versus Denver, outscoring them 891-818
2018 Season
Denver, much like this year, was a relatively competitive team in 2018, despite their record. Case Keenum was signed in the offseason, in hopes to solidify their quarterback woes since Peyton Manning retired. It wasn’t enough, as the Broncos offense didn’t have a lot of star power, and the defense, although very talented, gave up some losses for them.
Denver finished the season 6-10, missing the playoffs for the third-straight year. They earned wins over Seattle, Arizona, Oakland, Cincinnati, Los Angeles (Chargers), and Pittsburgh.
Another disappointing season for General Manager John Elway, who would look to bring about more change following the 2018 year.
Last season, Denver finished 19th in Total Offense, with 5,602 yards. 24th in scoring, with 329 points. 19th in passing yards with 3,695 and 12th in rushing with 1,907 yards.
Case Keenum, coming off of his miracle season with the Minnesota Vikings, actually threw for a few more yards with Denver. His touchdown to interception ratio is what hurt him and his tenure, as he was traded to Washington after his year with the Broncos was over.
Keenum was ranked 14th in passing yards in 2018, with 3,890 yards to his credit, along with 18 touchdowns to 15 interceptions.
Rushing was a strong point for Denver in 2018,. After losing C.J. Anderson, who had regressed, quarterback wasn’t the only hole that the Broncos faced. Led by drafted rookie Royce Freeman, and undrafted rookie Philip Lindsay. One of the more underrated one-two punches in the NFL, the pair finished very well, and helped carry struggling offense.
Lindsay finished the highest as far as yardage, ranking ninth in the NFL amongst rushers, with 1,037 yards. He also accrued nine rushing touchdowns. His backfield partner, Freeman, finished 38th in rushing yards, with 521 and five touchdowns.
Receiving hasn’t been one of Denver’s strong aspects either, as they have lost a few weapons over the years since Manning left. Emmanuel Sanders was their leading receiver in 2018, finishing 27th with 868 yards and four touchdowns.
Emerging receiver Courtland Sutton, was next in yardage totals at the receiver position, with 704. He came in at 51st in the NFL. No other Broncos receiver or tight end finished in the Top 100.
Defensively, the Broncos were 13th in total defense, allowing 5,842 yards, as well as in points allowed with 349 points scored on them. Their passing defense came in 20th, giving up 3,929 yards by air. The rush defense, 12th with 1,913 yards given up on the ground.
The Buffalo Bills face the struggling Denver Broncos at New Era Field on Sunday, here are the matchups to watch
The rivalry between the Bills and the Broncos goes back to the AFL and the two have shared memorable moments throughout the years. Their last matchup was in Week 3 of the 2017 season, which resulted in a 26-16 victory for Buffalo.
This week the two teams are facing off with two contrasting seasons. The Bills are sitting at 7-3 and on the verge of a playoff birth. The Broncos though are at a disappointing 3-7.
Records aside, it will be the games within that games that will help us find the winner.
With that, here are five key matchups to watch in Sunday’s Bills-Broncos meeting:
Second-year running back Phillip Lindsay has made a splash since his arrival in the NFL, amassing 1,688 yards, 5.2 yards per carry and 14 touchdowns a a rookie. Now, Lindsay is the focal point of the struggling Denver offense.
This season Lindsay is averaging an impressive 4.9 yards per carry, which should unnerve Buffalo’s shaky run defense. The Bills’ rush defense has allowed 106.3 yards per game, which is 18th in the NFL. The Bills should be prepared for heavy doses of Lindsay, due to how poor the Broncos passing offense has been this season sitting at 25th in the league with just 206.6 yards per game.
While the Bills rush defense has had poor form recently, they bounced back against Miami, holding the Dolphins rushing attack to just 23 yards. The Bills were led by linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, who had 12 tackles against Miami.
Edmunds was sent on more blitzes versus Miami than the rest of the season. These blitzes let him use his natural athletic talent to reach the running back in the backfield, or at the line of scrimmage. He blew up runs on a consistent basis which turned Miami into a one dimensional offense.
If Edmunds can have a similar performance on Sunday, he can force quarterback Brandon Allen to try to beat the Bills secondary.
Broncos linebacker Von Miller thinks Bills quarterback Josh Allen and legendary running back Bo Jackson have something in common.
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Broncos linebacker Von Miller thinks Bills quarterback Josh Allen and legendary running back Bo Jackson have something in common.
And we assure you, there is no typo in the sentence above.
The face of the Denver defense spoke to members of the Western New York media on Thursday. While doing so, he said exactly that.
The dual-threat quarterback reminds Miller of Jackson when he’s running and using his arms to shed defenders.
“He can escape the pocket, and it’s a challenge to get him down in the open field. He’s 6-7. He’s got a mean stiff-arm like Bo Jackson,” Miller said. “He does, though — he’s got a stiff arm like Bo Jackson.”
Miller never got a chance to try and tackle Jackson. Maybe Allen will be the closest thing for him. The Bills will want to prevent that on Sunday when Miller and the Broncos visit New Era Field.
While discussing Allen’s athleticism, Miller had some more serious-sounding praise of the QB. The oft-criticism with Allen is that he runs too much, or doesn’t throw enough. There’s nothing wrong with that, says Miller. Being able to do both is the key.
“He’s the future of great quarterbacks for this league,” Miller said.
But Allen might have to face the reality of meeting Miller up close and personal. Miller will match up with rookie Cody Ford at right tackle. Ty Nsekhe’s ankle injury will keep him out of the game since Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott labeled him “week to week.”
According to Pro Football Focus, Ford has had a tough start to his career.
Ford’s overall grade from PFF is a 53.7 this season, landing in the outlet’s “below average” category. On the flip side, Nsekhe has steadily improved via PFF’s grades this year and ranks as an “above average” lineman with a mark of 67.3.
Despite that, Allen’s confident in his fellow youthful teammate in the Bills offense.
