INSIDE LINEBACKER MISSES 3RD PRACTICE
Broncos inside linebacker Brandon Marshall missed his third consecutive practice Thursday because of a hamstring injury, putting his availability for Sunday’s game in doubt. Fellow inside linebacker Todd Davis, who is dealing with an oblique injury, worked with a trainer to the side, but coach Gary Kubiak said he expects him to return to practice Friday.
Corey Nelson would start in place of Marshall for the second consecutive game. And Zaire Anderson, who replaced Davis during the Broncos’ loss at Tennessee last Sunday, would get his first career start if Davis is ruled out.
“He got thrown in there last week, and we played our best half,” Kubiak said of Anderson. “We played our tail off. It just tells you that he’s been paying attention, waiting for an opportunity. He’s been practicing really well this week.”
Center Matt Paradis, whose practices have been limited to once a week because of hip soreness, did not practice at all Thursday. He attended the workout, however, and observed from the sideline. Long snapper Casey Kreiter also did not practice because of a calf injury.
QB protection.
Quarterbacks coach Greg Knapp said all quarterbacks face a learning curve in protecting themselves in the pocket. Trevor Siemian has missed two games this season because of a sprained shoulder and a sprained foot, and he has been sacked 27 times.
“I have liked what I’ve seen,” Knapp said of Siemian’s decisionmaking to avoid some hits. “He’s still not 100 percent now from the foot, and he played pretty tough last week. Missed a couple plays for us at the end to win it, and that’s what we’re trying to push him harder for. I have liked seeing him coming back from the foot and the shoulder injury and competing like he has.”
Lynch’s development.
Knapp said the criticism Paxton Lynch received from the media after his first two NFL starts was unjust.
“I’ve coached quite a few guys in the league and been through the ups and downs of a young quarterback,” Knapp said. “He’s only played 2½ games. Your first year, you’re still learning the offense. I don’t care who’s played, the first year is a learning curve like no other because it’s one thing just to learn the playbook, but then to have to go and execute against a moving defense, it takes time. I think he’s done a good job of protecting the ball for a young quarterback. … I’m pleased with his progress.”
Sanders fined.
Receiver Emmanuel Sanders said he was fined $12,154 by the NFL for his touchdown celebration at Tennessee. Sanders was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct for mimicking a pitcher throwing from the stretch.
Footnotes.
Broncos offensive coordinator Rick Dennison was absent from practice for two days because of a family issue, but Kubiak said he expects Dennison to return Friday. … The New England Patriots claimed receiver Michael Floyd off waivers from Arizona and released receiver Griff Whalen. Floyd had 33 catches for 446 yards and four touchdowns for the Cardinals this season.