MILLER SITS OUT OPENER, GIVING YOUNGSTERS MORE PLAYING TIME

CHICAGO» The Broncos opened their preseason Thursday night against the Bears without Von Miller. Coach Vance Joseph decided to keep Miller out of the first contest to preserve his team’s star pass rusher amid a rash of injuries to the Broncos’ defense, especially on the edge. Shane Ray tore a ligament in his wrist early in training camp and Shaquil Barrett is recovering from a hip strain.

With Miller out, rookie DeMarcus Walker and veterans Kasim Edebali and Vontarrius Dora received extended playing time.

Inside linebacker Todd Davis (shoulder sprain) and safety T.J. Ward (hamstring) were ruled out earlier in the week, along with center Matt Paradis and running back Jamaal Charles.

Corey Nelson started in place of Davis and Connor McGovern started at center, anchoring an offensive line that included first-round draft pick Garett Bolles at left tackle, Max Garcia at left guard, Ron Leary at right guard and Menelik Watson at right tackle.

Winn hurt.

Defensive lineman Billy Winn went down hard in the final minute of the first quarter and had to be carted off the field with a knee injury. Winn, who didn’t put any weight on his right leg as he hobbled onto the cart, appeared to be in significant pain as his teammates rushed over to support him and pat him on the helmet.

Winn was ruled out for the rest of the game moments later.

Carter in spotlight.

At least one undrafted rookie has made the Broncos’ final roster coming out of training camp in 12 of the past 13 years. Jamal Carter is making a strong case to be the latest. Thursday, the safety out of Miami recorded six total tackles, one quarterback hit and a fumble recovery.

Footnotes.

Kicker Brandon McManus tested his range in warm-ups Thursday afternoon, nailing a 70-yarder. He hit from 73 yards earlier in training camp. … Wide receivers Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders, cornerback Aqib Talib, defensive end Derek Wolfe and kicker Brandon McManus were captains Thursday.