Jeudy, Sutton questionable for Broncos at Ravens
KJ Hamler is also out with a hamstring injury, and the Broncos are still evaluating a timetable for his return
The Broncos’ receiving corps could be all backups on Sunday in Baltimore.
KJ Hamler (hamstring) is out, while Courtland Sutton (stomach illness) and Jerry Jeudy (ankle) are listed as questionable.
Head coach Nathaniel Hackett said Jeudy, who was injured on the first play of the Broncos’ Week 10 loss in Tennessee, will be a game-time decision against the Ravens.
“It was good to have him out there (during the team period in practice) for a little bit,” Hackett said Friday. “We want to be sure he’s ready to go.”
The Broncos’ slew of injuries at receiver, in addition to Tim Patrick’s torn ACL in training camp, leaves Kendall Hinton plus rookies Jalen Virgil, Brandon Johnson and perhaps an occasional snap from returner Montrell Washington to carry the load at receiver in Week 13. Those four have combined for 26 catches for 342 yards and two TDS, with Hinton leading the way with 18 catches for 262 yards.
“My mindset now is building on what I did the previous week, and continuing to progress,” Hinton said. “(Virgil and Johnson) have been hungry to learn this fast-paced game… I’m excited to see what they can keep doing (with more reps).”
Boone close to returning: Running back Mike Boone missed the last four games with an ankle injury, but was designated for return from short-term IR this week and resumed practicing.
When Boone first suffered the injury in Week 7 against the Jets, he feared the worst. But now he’s on the cusp of a return, if not this Sunday in Baltimore, then next Sunday in Kansas City. Hackett said the Broncos are “slowly working him back in” to the rotation.
“The first few days were rough,” Boone said. “I wasn’t even thinking fourto-six weeks at first. But it started calming down, shoutout to (head trainer Vince Garcia) and the guys in the training room. They got me back right and I feel good now.”
More injury updates: Linebacker Dakota Allen (hamstring), tight end/fullback Andrew Beck (hamstring/illness) and defensive lineman Jonathan Harris (knee) are all out for Sunday’s game against the Ravens. In addition to Sutton and Jeudy, nickel back K’waun Williams (who has missed the last two games with a knee injury) is also questionable.