JEWELL STEPS UP WITH MARSHALL’S KNEE INJURY

BALTIMORE» Broncos inside linebacker Josey Jewell made his first NFL start and played in the base and nickel packages in Sunday’s loss to Baltimore.

And if Brandon Marshall’s knee issue doesn’t improve, Jewell may get significant minutes next week against Kansas City. Jewell made six tackles (one for lost yardage) and also had a fine downfield pass breakup.

Jewell played 21 snaps in the first two games, which he said helped “a lot, actually, just being able to get the speed down a little bit and understanding how we play. Practice and games help out a ton, but (playing in the games), you get used to the defense and what the guys in front and behind you are doing.”

Inside linebacker Todd Davis said: “He did a great job. He came in, made a lot of plays and I was excited and proud with the way he played.”

Marshall was limited to playing in “dime” situations, the only linebacker when the Broncos had six defensive backs. He had two tackles.

“I knew at the beginning of the week I would have this role if I could play,” he said. “They’re just trying to be careful.”

Asked if he’s concerned the knee injury will linger, Marshall said: “Absolutely. I’ll keep getting treatment so I’ll be able to play a full game.”

Sanders’ play works again.

The Broncos’ offense was chugging along well when receiver Emmanuel Sanders scored on a 35yard touchdown run with 7:02 left in the first quarter.

The Broncos would not score again. The offense finished the game with eight consecutive punts, an interception and a failed fourth down play. It was Sanders’ first career rushing touchdown and his longest career rushing attempt.

“Same exact play (as in the preseason at Washington) so we’re 2 for 2 on that play,” Sanders said.

Sanders was held in check as a receiver, his five catches going for only 38 yards (a long of nine yards).

“It’s our first loss of the year; last year was last year,” he said. “But we have to keep this locker room positive. We have to get back to work, correct the mistakes, keep moving forward and don’t point fingers.”

MRI next for Brock.

Cornerback Tramaine Brock sustained a groin injury in the first half and did not return. Brock began the game as the third cornerback because Adam Jones (thigh) was inactive.

“It was on one of the thirddown stops at the beginning of the game,” Brock said. “I turned out of mybreak.Idon’tknowwhatit was.” Brock said he will undergo an MRI on Monday.

Footnotes.

The Broncos have lost 10 of their last 11 road games dating back to 2016. “All those games we lost probably had something to do with penalties and turning the ball over,” receiver Demaryius Thomas said. “Our main thing is doing what we can control. We can control the penalties. We can control the turnovers.” … Right tackle Jared Veldheer played a week after sustaining a concussion against Oakland and missing practice Wednesday and Thursday. “I felt good going into (Sunday),” he said. “I wasn’t thinking about it. Just going out there and playing to win the game.”