Practice squad punter could get the call against Jets

The Broncos look to avoid falling below .500 for the first time this year when they visit the New York Jets on Sunday (11 a.m.). Here is a Week 5 whiparound:

Pressing question.

Is this the week the Broncos’ takeaway drought ends?

They need it to. Rookie Jets quarterback Sam Darnold has five interceptions in four games. The Broncos have not forced a turnover in three of four games.

“We’ve had our chances,” coach Vance Joseph said. “In Baltimore, the ball is on the ground and we don’t get it. Against Oakland, we do pick one up and there’s a penalty. But we obviously have to continue to (strip) the football from the ball carriers and strip the quarterbacks on sacks. Sometimes, they come in bunches so hopefully we can turn that (around) this weekend.”

Joseph listed two takeaway chances, but the problem is too few opportunities. The pass rush has only four sacks in the last three games and the secondary has only nine pass breakups in four games.

Young quarterbacks like Darnold tend to get into trouble when they hold the football too long. This is where linebacker Von Miller could make a difference.

Spotlight player.

A few weeks ago, punter Colby Wadman was staying at his parents’ house in Thousand Oaks, Calif. On Sunday, he could make his regularseason debut in place of Marquette King, who is doubtful with a thigh injury.

Wadman signed with the Broncos’ practice squad Sept. 25. King appeared on the injury report Wednesday and missed three consecutive days of practice.

“Very high confidence (in Wadman),” special teams coordinator Tom McMahon said after practice Friday. “He does a great job hanging the ball up, (is a) good directional punter and I like his mindset.”

The Broncos would have to make a roster move to elevate Wadman and it wouldn’t necessarily mean giving up on King by placing him on injured reserve.

Besides punting, Wadman would also serve as the Broncos’ holder. “I’ve done that since high school,” Wadman said. “Me and (kicker) Brandon (McManus) have gotten a lot of work in so I feel confident.”

Watch for …

Offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave to remain upstairs.

The Broncos changed it up last week, sending Musgrave from the sidelines to the coach’s box.

NFL rules allow the coordinator in the coach’s box to remain the voice in the quarterback’s helmet so it is still Musgrave talking to Case Keenum.

“Just trying to make us better,” Musgrave said of the change. “We thought it might help us and I think it will. … I’m just thinking it might have been a better mix (and) better chemistry up there.”

Injuries.

Right tackle Jared Veldheer (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday. Linebacker Todd Davis (shoulder) and defensive end Adam Gotsis (knee) are listed as questionable. Gotsis said he is “definitely” playing.

Billy Turner will start for Veldheer and reserve offensive lineman Elijah Wilkinson will be active for the first time this year.