ANKLE INJURY KEEPS RAY OUT OF LINEUP; WALKER SEES TIME
» Linebacker Shane GLENDALE , A R I Z.
Ray’s ankle injury kept him out of Thursday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals and created an opportunity for defensive end DeMarcus Walker.
Walker, a 2017 secondround pick, made the team as the sixth defensive lineman instead of veteran Clinton McDonald, who was cut and signed with Oakland. Walker, though, was a healthy scratch for the first six games because the Broncos opted to dress only five linemen.
Five of the Broncos inactives were injured players: Ray, left guard Ron Leary (Achilles), right tackle Jared Veldeer (knee, third consecutive game), cornerback Adam Jones (thigh, second consecutive game). Leary has been ruled out for the year.
Quarterback Kevin Hogan and linebacker Alexander Johnson were inactive for the sixth consecutive game.
Stewart, Hamilton injured.
As the Broncos raced to a 283 firsthalf lead, they lost two players to injury.
Safety Darian Stewart (neck) left after he was injured attempting to tackle Cardinals running back David Johnson. Will Parks replaced Stewart in the Broncos’ base defense.
Receiver DaeSean Hamilton (knee) departed after he was run into by the Cardinals’ Brandon Williams after calling for a fair catch. Phillip Lindsay, who returned the first punt, took over the fulltime duties for Hamilton.
Stewart, Hamilton injured. As the Broncos raced to a 283 firsthalf lead, they lost two players to injury.
Safety Darian Stewart (neck) left after he was injured attempting to tackle Cardinals running back David Johnson. Will Parks replaced Stewart in the Broncos’ base defense.
Receiver DaeSean Hamilton (knee) departed after he was run into by the Cardinals’ Brandon Williams after calling for a fair catch. Phillip Lindsay, who returned the first punt, took over the fulltime duties for Hamilton.
Taylor making progress.
Broncos receiver Jordan Taylor remains on the physically unable to perform list (hips) but was able to make a limited return to practice on Tuesday.
Because Taylor has participated in a team workout, it starts a threeweek clock where the Broncos must decide to transfer Taylor to the 53man roster or to injured reserve.
“Obviously being able to get out there with the guys, it’s what I’ve been waiting for this nine months or however long it’s been,” Taylor said. “Technically not 100 percent and still a little bit limited, but this is a pretty good week for me to get going (with the) lighter practices.”
Taylor laughed before starting the interview, saying he had to catch his breath because he was a “little out of shape. I have to get back into football shape. Being back out there, going through football drills, going against guys in live competition, I’ll get there.”
Taylor said he had a setback “about two months ago and (that) was obviously disappointing. The last monthandahalf or so, I’ve started to really make progress.”
An issue for Taylor if he is cleared to play is roster space. The Broncos have kept five receivers since Week 2 and the fifth player, Tim Patrick, has been a solid special teams contributor.