Ex-Stanford star QB now No. 2 on Denver depth chart
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — If anything happens to Case Keenum, the Denver Broncos’ offense would be in the hands of Kevin Hogan, who rose up the depth chart when Chad Kelly slipped up.
Hogan, a third-year pro with one NFL start, had more wins (36) and total yardage (10,634) in college than any of the all-time great quarterbacks who played for Stanford, including his boss, John Elway.
“Kevin has played in games. He’s a smart guy,” coach Vance Joseph said. “He’s picked it up quick and we have full confidence in Kevin.”
The Broncos were awarded Hogan off waivers from Washington last month after Kelly beat out first-round pick Paxton Lynch for the No. 2 job in Denver.
Kelly was dismissed from the team Wednesday, a day after his arrest on suspicion on criminal trespass in the hours after a team-building Halloween party in suburban Englewood.
In Hogan, Keenum sees much of himself.
“I have a lot of trust in Kevin. I think, similar paths. Been on a few teams and he’s done a great job stepping in and getting a lot of mental reps every day,” Keenum said. “Getting better every day. He’s done a great job, great team guy, great locker room guy to be around. I have complete trust in him if he needs to step in.”
FIRED OFFICIAL: The NFL fired down judge Hugo Cruz on Thursday for inadequate performance, a person familiar with the firing told The Associated Press. Cruz is in his fourth season as an NFL official. Cruz, a part of referee Carl Cheffers’ crew, was involved in a missed call in the Chargers-Browns game that led to a Los Angeles touchdown Oct. 14. Chargers tackle Russell Okung had a false start on the play and nothing was called.
The NFL Referees Association said it would challenge the firing.
“The NFL has a troubling history of knee-jerk reactions with an eye on public relations, and clearly it has not learned from past mistakes,” NFLRA Executive Director Scott Green, a former referee, said in a statement. “The NFLRA will protect the collectively bargained rights of all officials and will challenge this reckless decision through the grievance process.”
JAGUARS: Jaguars will be without Pro Bowl cornerback A.J. Bouye against Philadelphia in London on Sunday.
The Jaguars (3-4) ruled Bouye out Thursday, saying he did not make the overseas trip. The team also will be without backup cornerback Tyler Patmon because of a neck injury. Patmon also remained in Jacksonville.
Cornerback D.J. Hayden (toe) made the flight, but he’s unlikely to play because of a lingering toe injury. Hayden has missed five consecutive games and hasn’t practiced since Sept. 21.
Without them, the Jaguars will have three undrafted rookie cornerbacks to play alongside All-Pro Jalen Ramsey.
BILLS: Buffalo running back LeSean McCoy is returning to practice on a limited basis Thursday as he makes his way back from a concussion.
McCoy suffered the injury early in Buffalo’s 37-5 loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. On Buffalo’s second play from scrimmage, McCoy landed on his head as he was taken down by Kenny Moore II. McCoy did not return.