Broncos’ Purcell out for season

ENGLEWOOD — Broncos nose tackle Mike Purcell sustained a seasonending foot injury early in Sunday’s loss to Kansas City, coach Vic Fangio announced Monday.

Purcell played five snaps before leaving with what Fangio believes is a Lisfranc injury, which involves the bone in the mid-foot area.

Purcell became a starter in Week 5 a year ago and his play to begin this season was solid enough to prompt the Broncos to sign him to a three-year, $11.5 million contract extension (through 2023) on Oct. 6. The contract was signed at a good time because Purcell can now begin his rehabilitation without worrying about a first trip to unrestricted free agency.

In six games, Purcell had 15 tackles, one sack and three run “stuffs.”

Moving forward to Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers, the Broncos have options to replace Purcell in the base and sub-package defense.

In the base, the Broncos could slide defensive end Shelby Harris back to nose tackle (where he started the first four games of 2019) and have him flanked by Dre’mont Jones and Demarcus Walker at end. The Broncos could also promote Sylvester Williams from the practice squad.

On sub-package downs, the Broncos don’t usually employ a nose tackle, leaning on two ends to provide a pass rush. Rookie Mctelvin Agim could be a possibility to take some of those snaps.

Lindsay in protocol

Fangio said running back Phillip Lindsay is in the NFL’S concussion protocol after he was injured in Sunday’s first half.