Broncos Injury Concerns Grow

The Denver Broncos came away with a win Sunday, but the victory over the Carolina Panthers came at a cost.

Wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and cornerback Riley Moss both exited with concussions, adding two more names to Denver’s growing injury list.

Both players were ruled out at halftime of Denver’s 26-21 victory. Head coach Sean Payton confirmed their injuries after the game, saying he did not expect the setbacks to be serious heading into the team’s bye week.

There is some optimism surrounding Waddle’s availability for Denver’s next game. KUSA-TV reporter Mike Klis reported that Waddle and Marvin Mims could have a chance to clear concussion protocol before the Broncos face the Las Vegas Raiders on Nov. 22.

Denver’s secondary has also been dealing with several absences. Safety Brandon Jones (hamstring), cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine (ankle) and safety Talanoa Hufanga (ankle) were all inactive against Carolina. Hufanga has now missed four consecutive games.

Klis also reported optimism that Jones and Hufanga could return following the bye week, which would give Denver’s defense a potential boost.

The Broncos received some encouraging news about defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike, who was placed on injured reserve over the weekend with a shoulder injury. When asked whether the injury could end his season, Payton indicated he expects Uwazurike to return.

The earliest possible return for Uwazurike is Week 14 against the New York Jets, provided he is healthy enough to play after missing at least four games.

Several other injured Broncos are approaching their own return windows. Running back Tyler Badie (thumb) and outside linebacker Jonah Elliss (ankle) are eligible to return in Week 12, while running back RJ Harvey (knee) could be available in Week 13.

With the bye week approaching, Denver will have some time to get players healthy before its highly-anticipated Nov. 22 grudge match against the Raiders.