Elway gives Joseph vote of confidence

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — John Elway says he is going to “stay the course” with Denver coach Vance Joseph despite his 8-17 record.

Elway told KDSP-AM that he is encouraged by the team's improvement despite its 3-6 record, which is identical to last year's mark after nine games.

“At this point in time, we're going to stay the course. I think there's enough good things that are going on as far as the way that we're playing,” Elway said. “I'm much more encouraged this year than I was last year.”

A year ago, the Broncos were in the midst of a franchise-worst eight-game skid that included its first shutout in a quarter century and a series of doubledigit losses.

This year, they've hung tough with some of the league's top teams, losing by a combined 16 points to the Texans (6-3), Rams (8-1) and Chiefs (8-1) twice. Brandon McManus missed a 51-yard field-goal attempt as time expired in Sunday’s 19-17 loss at Houston.

Elway acknowledged last year that he considered firing Joseph after his 5-11 rookie season

In other pro football news:

• Rookie quarterback

Josh Allen resumed practicing for the first time since spraining his right throwing elbow although Buffalo coach Sean

McDermott said it is too early to determine whether he can play against the New York Jets on Sunday.

• Jacksonville running back Leonard Fournette practiced for the first time in more than a month. Coach Doug Marrone stopped short of proclaiming Fournette back or ready to return Sunday at Indianapolis. Fournette has missed six games, including all four during the team's four-game losing streak, because of a strained right hamstring.