Broncos' Von Miller Ruled out vs. Browns with Ankle Injury
Oct 22, 2021
Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) takes part in drills during an NFL football practice Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2020, at the team's headquarter in Englewood, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Miller missed all of 2020 with an ankle injury suffered in a September practice before the start of the season. The linebacker suffered a dislocated peroneal tendon that has a usual recovery time of five to six months.
The 32-year-old said he was hopeful he would get back on the field before the end of the season, but he never got into a game as the Broncos finished 5-11.
Miller has only had a few significant injuries in his career, with the most notable being a torn ACL in 2013. He returned the next season and played all 16 regular-season games, which he replicated in the next four years.
He played 15 games in 2019, only missing one week because of a knee injury.
When on the field, Miller remains one of the best in the NFL at his position with a Pro Bowl selection in all eight of his healthy seasons. He has been named first-team All-Pro three different times and is almost always a threat to reach double-digit sacks.
He had 4.5 sacks in six games in 2021 entering Thursday.
With his physical attributes and leadership qualities, the Broncos could use him back as soon as possible.
Tua Tagovailoa Trade Rumors: Broncos, WFT Not Pursuing Deal for Dolphins QB
Oct 20, 2021
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 17: Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Miami Dolphins throws the ball during the NFL London 2021 match between Miami Dolphins and Jacksonville Jaguars at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 17, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is not being pursued by either the Denver Broncos or the Washington Football Team, according to Mike Klis of 9News and Ben Standig of The Athletic.
The Dolphins are discussing a trade for Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson, per John McClain of the Houston Chronicle. If that deal gets completed, it could put Tagovailoa—the No. 5 overall pick in the 2020 draft—on the trade block.
Denver could be looking for an upgrade at the position after falling to 3-3 following three straight losses. The squad ranks fourth in the NFL in points allowed but just tied for 22nd in points scored per game.
The Broncos have struggled to find a long-term answer at quarterback in recent years. Drew Lock had high upside as a 2019 second-round pick, but he hasn't proved himself on the field. Teddy Bridgewater was added in the offseason and has started all six games this year, but the 28-year-old is a free agent after the season.
The team was also interested in adding Aaron Rodgers this offseason, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
Washington, meanwhile, has fallen to 2-4 while backup Taylor Heinicke has started the past five games. Week 1 starter Ryan Fitzpatrick was given a recovery timetable of eight weeks after suffering a hip injury in the season opener.
Tagovailoa could represent more of a long-term solution as a 23-year-old who has appeared in only 13 NFL games. The former Alabama player was a star in college, throwing 76 touchdown passes across his final two years despite dealing with a hip injury.
The problem is the left-hander hasn't lived up to expectations in the NFL, producing just an 87.0 rating through parts of two seasons with 14 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
Though Denver and Washington could buy low on Tagovailoa, neither seems to be seeking a deal.
Teddy Bridgewater Expected to Start for Broncos vs. Browns Despite Foot Injury
Oct 19, 2021
Denver Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) against the Las Vegas Raiders during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Denver Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is expected to start Thursday's game against the Cleveland Browns, head coach Vic Fangio told reporters Tuesday.
Bridgewater is dealing with a foot injury, which he suffered in Sunday's 34-24 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders.
The 28-year-old was a limited participant in Monday's practice, but if he remains limited on the Broncos' next two practice reports, he should be ready to go on Thursday.
Despite suffering the foot injury in Sunday's game, Bridgewater placed blame on himself for the loss, saying, "I take responsibility for the things that went wrong, whether it was the turnovers or being better in many [other] areas," via Kyle Newman of The Denver Post.
Bridgewater was frequently under pressure against the Raiders, resulting in three interceptions and a lost fumble. He was sacked five times and Las Vegas finished with 17 quarterback hits.
Bridgewater and the Broncos might not find much relief in Thursday's game against the Browns, though. Cleveland has the NFL's sack leader in Myles Garrett, and its defense is ranked in the top half of the league through six weeks.
Bridgewater is in his first season with the Broncos after spending the 2020 campaign with the Carolina Panthers. He has led Denver to a 3-3 record, completing 70.2% of his passes for 1,514 yards and 10 touchdowns against four interceptions.
If Bridgewater is unable to play Thursday's game, Drew Lock would be in line to get the start. Lock has appeared in one game this season, a Week 4 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. He completed 12 of 21 passes for 113 yards, no touchdowns and an interception.
Lock was Denver's starting quarterback during the 2020 season and battled for the starting job this year against Bridgewater.
Von Miller Trade Rumors: Broncos 'Would Not Subtract Players Fangio Values'
Oct 18, 2021
Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) against the Las Vegas Raiders during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
The Denver Broncos could shop linebacker Von Miller ahead of the NFL trade deadline, but that may depend on his relationship with coach Vic Fangio.
Mike Sando of The Athletic reported that "one evaluator predicted Denver would not subtract players Fangio values" in search of draft-pick compensation. The Broncos have lost three straight after a 3-0 start and seemingly remain a top quarterback away from contention in the loaded AFC West.
Teddy Bridgewater has been solid but unspectacular as the Broncos' starter, continuing his reputation as a game manager who won't lose you games but will rarely win them for you either. Bridgewater has thrown for 1,514 yards and 10 touchdowns against four interceptions through six weeks.
The Broncos receiving corps has been riddled with injuries as Jerry Jeudy and KJ Hamler both suffered long-term ailments, but the group is still good enough that a better quarterback could put up explosive numbers. Denver likely fashions itself similar to the Los Angeles Rams of last offseason, searching for the quarterback who can put it over the top.
The 32-year-old Miller is playing in the final year of his contract but remains a highly effective edge rusher. He's recorded 17 tackles and 4.5 sacks this year, putting him on pace for his eighth season of double-digit sacks.
That said, the Broncos didn't sign Miller to an extension before the season, and franchise-tagging a player of his age seems unlikely. It's possible he returns if he wants to finish his career in Denver, but he may find a better offer elsewhere.
If the Broncos can get the type of draft pick that will allow them to trade for a veteran quarterback this offseason, moving Miller is worth considering.
Derek Carr, Raiders Defeat Broncos in 1st Game Since Jon Gruden's Resignation
Oct 17, 2021
DENVER, COLORADO - OCTOBER 17: Derek Carr #4 of the Las Vegas Raiders throws during the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field At Mile High on October 17, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
The Las Vegas Raiders are back on track.
Las Vegas snapped a two-game losing streak with a 34-24 victory over the Denver Broncos in Sunday's AFC West showdown at Empower Field at Mile High. Derek Carr led the way for the Raiders, who improved to 4-2 and into a tie atop the division with the Los Angeles Chargers.
The win was all the more notable because it was interim head coach Rich Bisaccia's first game after Jon Gruden resigned when emails revealed he used racist, sexist and anti-gay language.
Teddy Bridgewater threw three touchdowns in the losing effort for the Broncos, who fell to 3-3 with their third straight loss.
Derek Carr, Raiders Offense Rediscovers Impressive Form
From a football perspective, the biggest storyline coming into this game for the Raiders was how they would respond on the field after a week of headlines off it.
Carr appeared to eliminate all distractions and was dialed in from the start. He threw touchdown passes to Henry Ruggs III and Kenyan Drake to build a 17-7 halftime lead and had an initial connection with star tight end Darren Waller.
While Las Vegas' rushing attack left much to be desired as it was seizing that lead in the first half, Carr fit passes through tight windows and took what the defense gave him in front of a hostile crowd.
He also didn't have to do too much given how well Maxx Crosby and the Raiders defense played in the early going, which allowed him to make safer throws and avoid forcing the issue against his division rivals.
The rest of the backfield made their presence known as Las Vegas pulled further ahead in the second half. Josh Jacobs took a screen and darted through Denver defenders and into scoring position, while Drake found the end zone again with an 18-yard touchdown run.
The Carr-to-Ruggs connection wasn't done, as another deep ball set up a Jacobs touchdown and all but put the game away heading into the fourth. Even when Denver had some momentum after a fourth-quarter touchdown, Carr found Bryan Edwards for 51 yards before a field goal made it a three-score game once again.
Las Vegas' offense was facing some pressure after scoring a combined 23 points during the two-game losing streak, but it was explosive whenever the game was hanging in the balance Sunday and put the team back on a potential playoff track.
Broncos Continue Their Slide Down the Standings
It was easy to feel skeptical about the Broncos heading into this game.
After all, their 3-0 start featured wins over the New York Giants, Jacksonville Jaguars and New York Jets, which isn't exactly a list of the league's best teams. They also looked far less formidable while losing to the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers in the next two games.
Sunday didn't provide much argument against that skepticism.
While Bridgewater answered an early score by the Raiders with a touchdown pass to Tim Patrick in the first quarter, that was about the only positive development prior to halftime for the home team. He also threw an interception to Brandon Facyson, faced constant pressure from Crosby and didn't get much help from the rushing attack of Melvin Gordon III and Javonte Williams.
It was one step forward and two steps back for the Broncos in the second half, as Williams broke free for a 30-yard run that included an impressive hurdle only for the drive to stall for a field goal. What's more, Bridgewater lost a fumble on the next possession when Denver had an opportunity to close the gap to one score.
The theme of progress undermined by mistakes continued into the fourth quarter, as Bridgewater followed his touchdown pass to Courtland Sutton with an interception to Tre'von Moehrig. Even when Denver recovered an onside kick during a late comeback attempt, Bridgewater ended that possession with another interception.
Denver's outlook looks all the more concerning in a daunting AFC West following yet another poor performance.
What's Next?
Both teams are in action in Week 7 when the Raiders host the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday and the Broncos travel to face the Cleveland Browns on Thursday.
Otis Armstrong, Former Broncos Pro Bowl RB, Dies at Age 70
Oct 15, 2021
OCT 13 1980, OCT 14 1980; Football - Denver Broncos (Action); Idents: Otis Armstrong comes off Right Tackle on his Way to an 8 yd. Touchdown Run Early in the First Qtr.; (Photo By John Sunderland/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
Former Denver Broncos running back Otis Armstrong has died at the age of 70, per a team announcement Friday.
According to Mike Klis of 9News, Armstrong died Wednesday evening surrounded by his wife, Yvonne, and family.
The former Purdue star was a first-team All-American in 1972 to cap a career that included 4,601 scrimmage yards and 24 scores. The Broncos selected the ex-Boilermaker with the No. 9 overall pick in the 1973 NFL draft.
As Nick Kosmider of The Athletic noted, Armstrong faced a tough assignment off the bat.
From the time Armstrong entered the league, he was handed the unenviable task of following in the footsteps of Floyd Little, the star running back who became known as The Franchise for his contributions to a Broncos organization that was still coming of age in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
He took the reins of the Broncos backfield in 1974, when he paced the NFL in with 1,407 rushing yards and 5.3 yards per carry. Armstrong also added 38 catches for 405 yards and finished the year with 12 total touchdowns. No other NFL running back had more than 1,162 rushing yards (Don Woods of the San Diego Chargers).
The 1976 season ended with Armstrong's second and final Pro Bowl appearance thanks to 1,465 scrimmage yards (1,008 rushing, 457 receiving). He also had a career-high 39 receptions.
Armstrong led the 1977 AFC Champion Broncos in scrimmage yards (617), rushing yards (489) and co-led in total touchdowns (four). He notably had 53 total yards and a touchdown in a 34-21 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Divisional Round.
He ultimately had an eight-year NFL career spent entirely in Denver. Anderson finished his NFL tenure with 5,755 total yards and 32 touchdowns.
Some of Armstrong's teammates offered their remembrances.
"It's a very sad day," ex-Broncos wide receiver Haven Moses told Klis.
"Otis was a very special person. We had a very close team. Otis was a wonderful teammate, a wonderful running back. He'll definitely be missed. He was part of a Bronco era that laid the foundation for the team's success today."
Broncos offensive tackle Marv Montgomery added, per Klis: "I was thinking back to 1973 when Otis came to camp in his first year. I always remember how he ran. He was always on his toes. It was like a butterfly moving through the line. He had a very interesting way of running."
Per D.J. Fezler of Boilermakers Country, Armstrong is also a member of the College Hall of Fame as well as the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame. He lived near Denver after his NFL retirement.
NFL Trade Rumors: Bills, Seahawks, Giants, More Eying CBs; Broncos Possible Sellers
Oct 12, 2021
DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 26: Cornerback Kyle Fuller #23 of the Denver Broncos defends on the field during the fourth quarter against the New York Jets at Empower Field at Mile High on September 26, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
Cornerbacks are in high demand ahead of the Nov. 2 NFL trade deadline and the Denver Broncos could be a good match for teams.
According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Buffalo Bills, Seattle Seahawks, New York Jets, Houston Texans and New York Giants are among the squads who have "monitored the cornerback market" this season.
The Broncos are off to a strong start at 3-2, but could deal either Bryce Callahan or Kyle Fuller before they become free agents in the offseason.
Starting cornerback Ronald Darby has been out since Week 1 with a hamstring injury, but head coach Vic Fangio said he will play this week.
It provides the team with significant depth with first-round pick Patrick Surtain II proving his value in a starting role with Darby unavailable the past four games.
Fuller has also been a reliable player throughout his career, never missing a game since being selected in the first round of the 2014 draft. He had two Pro Bowl selections during his time with the Chicago Bears and was named first-team All-Pro in 2018.
Despite his past production, he current play might not be worth his $9 million salary in 2021. A trade could give him a fresh start while clearing significant cap room in Denver.
Callahan could also be the odd man out after playing primarily in the slot this season. The 29-year-old started all 10 games he played last season with the Broncos but could struggle to get snaps going forward.
These players could be valuable in a league that is always looking to stop the pass, although the Bills might not need much help. Buffalo currently ranks No. 1 in the NFL in total yards allowed, points allowed and yards per pass attempt.
Adding another quality cornerback to this unit was almost be unfair for the rest of the league.
Seattle could be more desperate for defensive back help with a team that ranks 30th in the NFL against the pass. The team has been unable to replace Shaquill Griffin, who signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars in the offseason.
Report: Broncos' Teddy Bridgewater Expected to Start vs. Steelers After Concussion
Oct 9, 2021
Denver Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) warms up against the Baltimore Ravens during an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Denver Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater will travel with the team ahead of its matchup Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers and is expected to play, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.
Bridgewater suffered a concussion in Denver's 23-7 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 4. Ravens linebacker Odafe Oweh received an $11,457 fine for the hit that injured the veteran signal-caller.
Bridgewater didn't practice Wednesday and was limited Thursday before being a full participant Friday. The Broncos listed him as questionable in their injury report.
Head coach Vic Fangio was optimistic about his availability for Week 5.
"Right now he's progressed nicely; he's cleared up to this point," Fangio told reporters Friday. "They'll decide [Saturday] for the final verdict."
Bridgewater is enjoying a strong debut season in the Mile High City. He has thrown for 892 yards and five touchdowns to zero interceptions, providing the kind of stable quarterback play the franchise has lacked for years.
Drew Lock's performance in relief of Bridgewater showed why the latter won the starting job to open the campaign. Lock finished 12-of-21 for 113 yards and an interception.
The Steelers are allowing 258.8 passing yards per game and rank 21st in opponent passer rating (103.4). While Pittsburgh's defense hasn't been stingy through the air, the Broncos' best shot at improving to 4-1 is with Bridgewater under center.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton (14) against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
The Denver Broncos might be without one of its top wide receivers for Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
According to Broncos reporter Mike Klis, Denver receiver Courtland Sutton suffered a sprained ankle in Friday's practice. Klis added that Sutton will make the trip to Pittsburgh and his status will be determined on Sunday morning.
In his fourth season out of SMU, the 25-year-old Sutton currently leads the Broncos with 257 receiving yards and 28 targets. He's tied for the team-lead with 18 catches, averaging 14.3 yards per reception.
If Sutton were to miss Sunday's game, it would leave Denver thin at the receiver position. The Broncos already have KJ Hamler (knee) and Jerry Jeudy (ankle) on injured reserve. Tight end Noah Fant and receiver Tim Patrick are currently tied for the team-lead with two receiving touchdowns each.
Denver quarterback Teddy Bridgewater's status is also unclear for Week 5. Bridgewater suffered a concussion in last week's loss to the Baltimore Ravens and has to clear the final steps of protocol on Saturday to be able to play.
Bridgewater was listed as questionable on Friday's injury report after participating in practice for the second straight day, this time as a full participant. He missed Wednesday's session and was limited on Thursday.
When Bridgewater exited the Week 4 game, he was replaced by Drew Lock, who completed 12-of-21 passes for 113 yards and an interception.
The Broncos need to be at full strength with both Sutton and Bridgewater on Sunday if they hope to avoid a two-game losing streak.
Broncos HC Vic Fangio Rips Ravens for 'Bulls--t' Garbage-Time Run to Tie Record
Oct 4, 2021
JACKSONVILLE , FL - SEPTEMBER 19: Rain soaked head coach Vic Fangio of the Denver Broncos watches the action against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second quarter at TIAA Bank Field on Sunday, September 19, 2021. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
Denver Broncos head coach Vic Fangio was not happy with the Baltimore Ravens for running the ball on the final play of their game Sunday rather than taking a knee.
Fangio didn't mince words in a press conference Monday:
Vic Fangio, on the Ravens not kneeling on the final play Sunday:
“Yeah, I thought it was kind of bullshit, but I expected it from them.”
Why did he expect it?
“Because I know how they operate. That’s their mode of operation there … player safety is secondary."
The Ravens were trying to tie the record for the most consecutive games with at least 100 rushing yards. When they intercepted Drew Lock in the fourth quarter and got the ball back with three seconds remaining and a 23-7 lead, they needed three yards to set the mark. They got five.
Ravens coach John Harbaugh said it was call not to take knee with 3 seconds left, instead ran play to get record for most consecutive 100+yard rushing games. Overheard Broncos players who were livid as they walked into locker room. #9sports
With the outcome decided, football etiquette suggests taking a knee to run out the clock—hence the angry reaction from Fangio and the Broncos sideline:
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh told reporters after the game:
"It's one of those things that's meaningful. It's a very, very tough record to accomplish. It's a long-term record. So, I'm not going to say it's more important than winning the game, for sure. It's certainly not. But, as a head coach, I think you do that for your players and you do that for your coaches, and that's something they'll have for the rest of their lives."
Harbaugh also responded Monday to Fangio's comments, referencing the Broncos' efforts to score a late touchdown with 10 seconds left despite a 16-point deficit:
John Harbaugh made the point that Ravens got the ball back because Broncos were throwing to the end zone in a 23-7 game.
"Throwing the ball in the end zone with 10 seconds left, I don’t know if that’s there’s a 16-point touchdown that’s going to be possible right there," he said
That's one perspective. The Broncos saw it a different way.
As Mike Klis of 9News relayed: "Broncos defensive line coach Bill Kollar recognized what the Ravens were doing pre-snap and started screaming obscenities. Defensive lineman Shelby Harris also saw what was up and he started uttering his displeasure at the perceived lack of sportsmanship."
Klis added that Broncos players "were livid about the perceived 'rub it in'-type maneuver" as they went to the locker room after the loss.
I've known a lot of folks in the NFL who have always said "winning makes you right,'' but have had a couple coaches from other places reach out today to ask if Ravens really ran a play at end of Sunday's game instead of taking a knee just to keep 100-yard rushing streak going...
Even Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson was surprised by the decision, telling reporters he didn't care about the record and hadn't been focused on it:
"I don't know what [Harbaugh] was thinking. I thought we would take a knee and he said, 'no, we're going for it.' The game was put away. 'Double-A' (cornerback Anthony Averett) caught that pick in the back of the endzone, congratulations to him, but I don't know what coach was thinking."
Jackson ran the ball on the play, adding another wrinkle to the story. Having your franchise quarterback run the ball with the game decided is an injury risk that could have backfired. The Ravens know this well—running backs J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards and Justice Hill have all been lost to season-ending injuries since August.
