Denver Corner, Seattle Receiver Both Estimated As Limited

The Denver Broncos are trying to get healthy for their Thursday night matchup against the Seattle Seahawks this week, and they got some good news on that front with cornerback Riley Moss estimated as a limited participant in practice, per a report from Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk. 

The “estimated” part goes with a quirky rule that requires an estimate of a player’s availability in a Thursday game, with the understanding that teams often hold players out of practice due to the short week. 

Ross didn’t play against the Los Angeles Chargers in Denver’s 23-17 win, as he sustained a rib injury in Week 4 against the Los Angeles Rams. Devensive end Sai’vion Jones was also estimated as limited due to a shoulder injury. 

The Broncos already know they’ll have a couple of key players out. Safety Talanoa Hufanga hurt his ankle against the Chargers on Sunday, and he was listed as a non-participant, although he hasn’t been ruled out yet. Cornerback Pat Surtain II was also a non-participant with an ankle injury as well. 

The final players on the injury report were safety Brandon Jones (foot) and guard Ben Powers (biceps), with both estimated as full participants.

The Broncos may get a bit of a break in the potential matchups against Seattle, though, as star receiver receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigbawas estimated as a limited participant after injuring his ankle against the San Fransciso 49ers on Sunday. 

Smith-Njigba had to have his ankle heavily taped during the first half of Seattle’s loss, and the issue put him on the team’s injury report Monday. He had five catches for 102 yards and a touchdown on Sunday, but he dropped a crucial third-down pass when the Seahawks were trying to tie or win the game on their final possession.

The Seahawks did not hold a practice ahead of Thursday’s game against the Broncos, and their other limited participants included running back Zach Charbonnet (knee), quarterback Drew Lock (right forearm), guard Beau Stephens (shoulder), and defensive tackle Leonard Williams (ankle).

Linebackers Chazz Surratt (calf) and Drake Thomas (ankle) would have missed practice on Monday, per a separate report from Josh Alper of PFT. Wide receiver Irv Charles (knee) and running back George Holani (ribs, knee) were listed as full participants.

It’s a vital game for both teams, as Denver and Seattle both come in at 3-2 with undefeated teams leading their respective divisions. The Broncos will be looking to jump start their offense, which has been mostly ineffective to date.