Former Bronco Ware one of Hall semifinalists
Former Broncos outside linebacker Demarcus Ware was among the 26 semifinalists named for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2022.
Ware joined the Broncos in 2014 and had 21K sacks over three years (37 games/33 starts) and was a member of the franchise’s 2015 Super Bowl-winning team. He had seasons of 10, 7½ and four sacks for the Broncos and was twice named to the Pro Bowl.
Ware’s 138½ career sacks are 13th in NFL history according to Pro Football Reference, which tracks sacks back to 1960.
Along with Ware, semifinalists in their first year of eligibility are receiver Anquan Boldin, receiver/returner Devin Hester, receiver Andre Johnson, defensive end Robert Mathis, receiver Steve Smith and defensive lineman Vince Wilfork.
Boulder native Tony Boselli, who played offensive tackle for the Jacksonville Jaguars, was named a semifinalist for the seventh time. Boselli is one of 17 players who were also semifinalists in 2021.
The list of semifinalists will be reduced to 15 finalists before the final vote in February for up to five inductees.
Mask update. To comply with the Denver Public Health Order issued Tuesday, the Broncos are requiring masks for fans (regardless of vaccination status) in all public indoor spaces beginning with Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Masks will not be required in stadium suites (which are considered private spaces), the outdoor seating bowls or outdoor concourse areas.
One at a time. The Broncos had a bonus practice Monday and started fully preparing for the Chargers on Wednesday with a fullpads practice.
Externally, the focus is on the seven-game sprint to the finish line. Internally, not so much.
“Our total focus emotionally, mentally and physically is on this game,” coach Vic Fangio said. “I think if you try to get ahead of yourself, you’re only setting yourself up for a fall. We’ve got to play this game to make the rest of them more meaningful.”
Jackson misses practice.
Safety Kareem Jackson missed practice Wednesday because of a neck/ shoulder injury sustained while making a tackle against Philadelphia in Week 10. He was able to finish the game.
If Jackson is inactive or limited, the Broncos would turn to rookie Caden Sterns to play alongside Justin Simmons.
Limited in practice were right tackle Bobby Massie (ankle), inside linebacker Baron Browning (back) and running back Mike Boone (hip).
Outside linebacker Bradley Chubb (ankle) practiced for the second time since his return-from-injured-reserve clock started Monday.
Left tackle Garett Bolles (ankle) remains on the Covid-19/reserve list.
Briefly. The Broncos activated guard Austin Schlottmann from the COVID-19/ reserve list and because of a roster exemption, he won’t immediately count toward the 53-man limit. … Inside linebacker Micah Kiser, out since sustaining a hamstring injury in the Week 7 loss at Cleveland, was designated to return from injured reserve. The team has 21 days to move him to the active roster or keep him on injured reserve for the rest of the year. … Rookie cornerback Mac Mccain III is headed back to the Philadelphia Eagles, who claimed him off waivers from the Broncos. Mccain was with the Broncos in training camp, with the Eagles from Sept. 7-Nov. 9 and back with the Broncos for 13 days.