Denver Broncos

As the Denver Broncos undergo multiple schedule adjustments due to positive COVID-19 tests throughout the league, head coach Vic Fangio has discovered a positive takeaway from the changes.

Andrew Mason of DNVR Sports reported Sunday that Fangio said these circumstances identify "who the whiners and b---hers are." 

After originally moving to Monday, the Broncos' Week 5 game against the New England Patriots was postponed until Week 6 when a new positive COVID-19 test shut down the Patriots facilities for the third time in 10 days. 

The Broncos were originally scheduled to play the Miami Dolphins in Week 6, but that game will be played in Week 11 during Miami's previously scheduled bye, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The Broncos will use Week 5 as their bye week and play the Los Angeles Chargers during their former bye in Week 8. 

New England will have its bye week in Week 5, a week earlier than scheduled.

Patriots quarterback Cam Newton tested positive for the virus on Oct. 3 and did not play in the team's Week 4 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Later, cornerback Stephon Gilmore confirmed he tested positive, and practice squad defensive tackle Bill Murray was placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list. Before Sunday's positive test, New England had three days of negative testing. 

Patriots players voiced their frustration with the league before the game was postponed. Cornerback Jason McCourty said Saturday that "the people that don't have to walk in our building, whether it is the league office, whether it is the NFLPA, they don't care," per ESPN's Mike Reiss.

"For them, it is not about our best interest, or our health and safety, it is about, 'What can we make protocol-wise that sounds good, looks good, and how can we go out there and play games?'" 

Running back James White also shared his feelings on Twitter:

🥴🤔 https://t.co/UvNO2Neh2R

— James White (@SweetFeet_White) October 11, 2020

Meanwhile, Denver running back Melvin Gordon III noted the Broncos practiced in preparation for Week 5, which, as The Athletic's Lindsay Jones pointed out, means their bye week was not a true break from football.

Ain’t no way we practiced all week and they canceled our game

— F L ⚡️ S H (@Melvingordon25) October 11, 2020

Outside of the Patriots' positive tests, one Tennessee Titans staff member tested positive Sunday, according to ESPN's Turron Davenport. Schefter noted there were no other positive tests Sunday. 

Von Miller is ready to take his Call of Duty skills to the next level. 

The Denver Broncos star has had plenty of time to brush up on his gaming while he rehabs from an ankle injury, and he will soon have the opportunity to go head-to-head with military members and veterans as part of the USAA Salute to Service sweepstakes.

"That's all I've been doing over this rehab is playing Call of Duty," Miller told Bleacher Report. "It will be good to play with some of the veterans ... They'll probably be better than me. The pleasure is all on my side, it will be fun to play with those guys and listen to what they say and get their perspective on a game like Warzone."

The chance to play Call of Duty with Miller is one of the "Ultimate Fan Cave" grand prize experiences with NFL players that five lucky military members and veterans will win as part of the sweepstakes.

Entry into the USAA Salute to Service sweepstakes will be open through Nov. 30 on SaluteToService.com.

"I have huge respect for the military, and when I was presented with this opportunity I wanted to jump all over it," Miller said.

Supporting the troops is nothing new for the pass-rusher. In January, he teamed up with USAA and the Veterans of Foreign Wars to send a military veteran to Super Bowl LIV in Miami. He has also been on a USO Tour to visit military members overseas.

The next step in his support for the military is testing those Call of Duty skills he has honed while sidelined with an injury that required surgery.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported on Sept. 10 that Miller will be "out for several months, likely the season," but the Broncos star is doing what he can to get back on the field this year.

"Just going through the process right now," Miller said. "I just got a cast on, and I'm just going through the process and working as hard as I possibly can to be able to come back this season."

I’m not worried about nothing else but getting better each day so I can be back on the field with my guys . ✌🏾

— Von Miller (@VonMiller) October 7, 2020

Getting him back would be a massive boost for the Broncos. After all, he is a generational talent and franchise icon who is an eight-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro with seven seasons of double-digit sacks and the Super Bowl 50 MVP from a win over the Carolina Panthers on his resume.

Miller built much of that resume while missing a grand total of one game the last six seasons, so he is in something of an unusual position watching from the sidelines. That hasn't stopped him from serving as a veteran leader while his team battles on the field.

"I just try to be around and continue to project my energy on my teammates," he said. "We worked so hard this whole offseason to get to this point, and it's time to go out there and do it."

Denver dropped the first three games of the season without him, but the losses to the Tennessee Titans and Pittsburgh Steelers, who are both playoff contenders, came by a total of seven points. The team is also coming off its first win of the campaign following the 37-28 victory over the New York Jets in Week 4.

BIG WIN!!!!! #BroncosCountry

— Von Miller (@VonMiller) October 2, 2020

I’m so happy for my guys man!

— Von Miller (@VonMiller) October 2, 2020

Miller believes the Broncos' toughness will help them build on that win as they continue to bounce back from a slow start.

"We've got a tough team, and we play hard all game no matter who we're playing," Miller said. "I just get goosebumps looking at my teammates go out there and play the way they played ... If we can continue to jell and continue to play the way we know how, it's going to be a good year for us despite the slow start."

Part of that toughness is playing through adversity, and Denver has faced plenty of it.

In addition to Miller, notable players such as Courtland Sutton, Drew Lock, Phillip Lindsay, K.J. Hamler, Noah Fant, Jurrell Casey, Dre'Mont Jones and A.J. Bouye have all dealt with injuries of varying severity this season.

Rather than dwell on the negatives and injuries, Miller highlighted multiple players along the defensive line who will now have an opportunity to establish themselves as contributors after battling just to make the roster:

"We've got a lot of guys who are sitting out, and that sucks. But the beautiful part about it is it gives guys the opportunity to go out there and live their NFL dreams. It's exciting for me. We've got guys like DeShawn [Williams] who has been cut by the Broncos three times, and now he's on the active roster ... We picked up Darius Kilgo and Sylvester Williams, and those guys were released by the Broncos and now we brought them back. I'm just excited for those guys. Injuries suck, but it's the next-man-up mentality. To see these guys get a second chance and a third chance and a fourth chance to go out there and live their dreams is beautiful."

If those players take advantage of their chances and the Broncos gradually get healthier, they can play themselves right back into the AFC playoff picture.

They play just one game against a team that is currently above .500 before Week 13 and, with an expanded postseason field, are just a handful of wins away from being in ideal position before the stretch run.

And that stretch run may just include Miller since the linebacker said he is targeting a return this season.

The Denver Broncos' first win of the season came at a price, with tight end Noah Fant likely to be unavailable for Week 5. 

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, Fant is expected to miss the Broncos' Oct. 11 game against the New England Patriots after being diagnosed with a sprained ankle. 

Fant left Denver's 37-28 win over the New York Jets in the third quarter. He initially looked to be seriously injured, as the team had to bring out the medical cart to take him off the field. 

Schefter reported Thursday he received a text message after the game that Fant's injury was considered "minor" and "he will be fine."

Broncos head coach Vic Fangio told reporters Friday it "could be a couple weeks" they are without Fant. 

Denver has been hit hard by injuries early this season. Von Miller tore his ACL during training camp and is out for the season. Drew Lock has missed the past two games with a shoulder injury. 

Fant is the Broncos' leading receiver through four games. The 22-year-old has 19 receptions, 219 yards and two touchdowns on 27 targets. 

If Fant is forced to miss time, Nick Vannett and Jake Butt will likely share duties at tight end for the Broncos. 

Denver Broncos quarterback Drew Lock might be returning to the field for the team's Week 5 matchup with the New England Patriots.

"Drew is I think 50/50 to make it this week, and I'm being totally honest with that statement," head coach Vic Fangio told reporters. "We'll see how he progresses here during the week and see where he's at."

Lock made an early exit in Denver's 26-21 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 2. Mike Klis of 9News reported at the time the second-year passer could be on the shelf for two to six weeks with a "rotator/labral issue in back of shoulder."

Jeff Driskel started for the Broncos in Week 3 as they lost 28-10 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Brett Rypien took over Thursday night and went 19-of-31 passing for 242 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions in a 37-28 win over the New York Jets. The Broncos also signed Blake Bortles, who was inactive.

Getting Lock back in time to play the Patriots would fall within the time frame Klis reported.

The Patriots allowed the second-fewest passing yards (180.4) and intercepted an NFL-high 25 passes in 2019. That dominance has yet to carry over in 2020. New England ranks 11th in passing defense (235.5 yards per game) and 24th in opponent passer rating (103.9).

Based on how unevenly Rypien played, the Broncos' chances of earning their second win would improve greatly with Lock under center.

The Denver Broncos offense came to life Thursday in a 37-28 victory against the New York Jets.

In the passing game, Broncos wide receivers Jerry Jeudy and Tim Patrick enjoyed great nights.  

Jeudy notably channeled his inner Randy Moss and beat Jets cornerback Pierre Desir in a mid-air fight for a moonball that ended with a 48-yard touchdown:

JERRY JEUDY MOSS’D THIS DB 😱

Rookie WR gets his first career TD

(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/UcB9Pvps5Z

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 2, 2020

He finished with two catches (on four targets) for 61 yards and one touchdown.

Patrick finished with team highs of six receptions, 113 yards and one touchdown on seven targets. He arguably made the play of the night with a 31-yard sideline reception late in the fourth quarter and the Broncos down 28-27:

31 yards to Tim Patrick and the @Broncos are in business. #BroncosCountry

📺: #DENvsNYJ on @NFLNetwork
📱: NFL App // Yahoo Sports App: https://t.co/jQ6nvOCVqi pic.twitter.com/tJA5LvAvgI

— NFL (@NFL) October 2, 2020

Tim Patrick receiving vs. Jets:

🔸 6 catches
🔸 113 yards
🔸 1 TD
🔸 23.3 PPR points pic.twitter.com/nPJrVEHRVV

— PFF Fantasy & Betting (@PFF_Fantasy) October 2, 2020

The ex-Ute also gets bonus points for his accomplishments despite a high degree of difficulty, per Next Gen Stats:

Tim Patrick caught 6 of 7 targets for 113 yards and a TD, including 2 third down conversions with a catch probability under 25%.

Q4 (4:11): 31-yard reception, 24.0% completion probability
Q2 (5:35): 40-yard reception, 24.5% completion probability#DENvsNYJ | #BroncosCountry pic.twitter.com/HVEjLwYa1y

— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) October 2, 2020

Denver eventually finished the drive with the game-winning field goal before adding an insurance touchdown thanks to a Melvin Gordon III 43-yard touchdown run. 

Jeudy, the 15th overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft, was thrust into the spotlight after Broncos No. 1 wideout Courtland Sutton suffered a torn ACL that will sideline him for the entire season. Jeudy has paced the team with 28 targets, one more than tight end Noah Fant.

He's responded with at least 50 receiving yards in each of his first four games, a notable feat that places him in good company, per NFL Research:

Jerry Jeudy is the 6th rookie since the 1970 merger to have 50+ rec yards in each of his first 4 games.

He joins Anquan Boldin, Stefon Diggs, Terry Glenn, Andre Johnson and Terry McLaurin (with CeeDee Lamb being able to join on Sunday) #TNF

— NFL+ (@NFLPlus) October 2, 2020

Jeudy has 15 catches for 234 yards (15.6 yards per reception) and one touchdown. Eight of his catches have gone for 15 or more yards. He's on pace for 60 receptions for 936 yards and four touchdowns.

Patrick, a third-year pro who went undrafted out of Utah, enjoyed the first 100-yard game of his career. He has 16 catches for 209 yards and two touchdowns on the season, and he's third on the team with 21 targets.

Like Jeudy, Patrick was forced to assume more responsibility with Sutton out. While he hasn't been featured as much, he saw the field for 85 percent of snaps in Week 1 and 84 percent of snaps in Week 3 during games in which Sutton did not play, per Pro Football Reference.

He's also seen at least four targets in each game, so he's at least been present and relevant in the Broncos offense despite not making a huge impact until Thursday.

Jeudy and Patrick have notably excelled despite playing with three quarterbacks through four weeks in the injured Drew Lock, the benched Jeff Driskel and third-stringer Brett Rypien, so it may not matter who calls signals.

However, the No. 1 quarterback in Lock has an outside shot to return in Week 5 versus the New England Patriots, per Broncos head coach Vic Fangio on KOA Colorado (h/t James Palmer of NFL Network). A Week 6 return against the Miami Dolphins is more likely.

That should presumably brighten Jeudy's and Patrick's fantasy outlook moving forward. 

Jeudy entered Thursday as the 36th-ranked wide receiver in FantasyPros' rest-of-season rankings. Patrick ranked No. 104.

Jeudy was a borderline flex/third wide receiver starting option in 12-team leagues entering the night, but bump him over the line and squarely into a solid flex/third wideout option at this juncture.

As the touchdown showed, fantasy players don't need him to see many targets for him to get a good weekly score. Unless you're loaded at wideout and can play mix-and-match every week, start him as your third wide receiver and don't look back from this point forward.

Patrick shouldn't be a near-auto start at flex or wideout just yet, although his fantasy outlook clearly rose Thursday. Broncos head coach Vic Fangio offered kind words on him postgame, per Brandon Krisztal of KOA Colorado: "I really like Tim. I think Tim's a quality NFL receiver. He's got size, tough. ... I'm not surprised by it with Tim. ... I'm really glad we have him."

Add him to your bench if he's sitting on the waiver wire, but take a wait-and-see approach for at least one week against a tough Patriots defense in Week 5.

He's a solid reserve for now and could play his way into starting lineups with more productive performances.

Denver Broncos head coach Vic Fangio didn't want things to get as ugly off the field as they were on it following his team's 37-28 victory over the New York Jets on Thursday.  

Lindsay Jones of The Athletic noted Fangio said he rushed off the field in an effort to "avoid confrontation" because "our sideline was getting pissed off about [the personal fouls]."

Jets head coach Adam Gase seemed to recognize what Fangio was doing because even he said, per Ralph Vacchiano of SNY, "I think he was just making sure we didn't have any kind of melee. It was getting kind of heated."

The Jets committed 11 penalties for 118 yards in the game.

No penalty was as important as a personal foul facemask that wiped out a third-down sack in the fourth quarter and kept alive the drive that saw Denver take the lead for good with a Brandon McManus field goal.

"The penalties were brutal," Gase said, per Vacchiano. "We didn't hit [Broncos quarterback Brett Rypien]. When we did, it was too late. The personal fouls were ridiculous."

The result of the undisciplined performance was another loss for the Jets, who are now 0-4.

This is shaping up to be a lost campaign for New York, which may soon turn its attention toward the draft as it looks for any source of optimism.

Denver Broncos tight end Noah Fant suffered an ankle injury and was carted off during Thursday's game against the New York Jets.

He was later ruled out during the fourth quarter, according to NFL Network's James Palmer. 

Text on the condition of Broncos’ TE Noah Fant, who was carted off tonight with an ankle injury: “All good. Minor. He will be fine.”

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 2, 2020

Fant entered play with 14 catches for 184 yards and two touchdowns in his second NFL season.

The Broncos took Fant with the 20th overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft. He played all 16 games during his rookie year, amassing 40 catches for 562 yards and three touchdowns.

The ex-Iowa star got off to a slow start, catching just 20 passes for 185 yards and one score in his first eight games. He did not register more than 37 yards in any single game.

But Fant turned it up in the second half of the year with 20 receptions for 377 yards and two scores. He showed a penchant for the big play, catching a 75-yard touchdown pass against the Cleveland Browns and snagging four passes for 113 yards and a touchdown in an upset road win over the AFC South champion Houston Texans.

Losing the 6'4", 249-pound tight end is a tough blow for the Broncos offense, but the team does have some reinforcements to stem the tide.

Nick Vannett should step in for Fant. The ex-Seattle Seahawk and Pittsburgh Steeler caught 17 passes for 166 yards last year.

Denver is short-handed at wideout with Courtland Sutton out for the year due to a torn ACL, but rookie Jerry Jeudy and DaeSean Hamilton can help fill the aerial attack void.

Apparently against Denver Broncos head coach Vic Fangio's wishes, the team's starting quarterback Thursday will be Brett Rypien—not his uncle, Super Bowl XXVI MVP Mark.

In a press conference Tuesday, Fangio accidentally said Mark Rypien would get the nod against the New York Jets before he corrected himself.

With Drew Lock injured, it's Brett, who was undrafted out of Boise State in 2019 and spent the season on the practice squad, who will be given the ball as the 0-3 Broncos seek their first win of the season against a winless Jets team. He made his first NFL appearance Sunday when he replaced Jeff Driskel in the second half, going 8-of-9 passing with 53 yards and an interception as the Broncos fell 28-10.

Unfortunately for the Broncos, Mark told DenverBroncos.com's Aric DiLalla that he would spend Thursday cheering on his nephew and not suiting up.

The Denver Broncos will turn to their third different starting quarterback this season for Thursday's game against the New York Jets.

Brett Rypien will start in place of the injured Drew Lock, Broncos coach Vic Fangio announced Tuesday.

Jeff Driskel struggled during Sunday's 28-10 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Driskel replaced Lock in the first quarter of Denver's Week 2 loss against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Mike Klis of 9News reported Lock will miss two to six weeks with a shoulder injury.

The Denver offense managed 226 yards, and Driskel was sacked five times against Tampa Bay.

Rypien signed with the Broncos as an undrafted free agent out of Boise State in 2019. The 24-year-old was on the active roster for four weeks last season after Joe Flacco suffered a neck injury, but he never appeared in a game.

The Broncos signed Rypien to their practice squad a week before the start of the regular season, and he joined the active roster Friday. He went 8-of-9 for 53 yards with one interception after replacing Driskel in the fourth quarter against Tampa Bay.

Denver Broncos defensive tackle Jurrell Casey suffered a biceps tear and will miss the remainder of the 2020 season, head coach Vic Fangio told reporters Monday.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network first reported news of Casey's injury.

Casey, 30, has posted 14 total tackles and three passes defended for the 0-3 Broncos in his first season in Denver.

He amassed 44 tackles, five sacks and 10 quarterback hits for the 2019 Tennessee Titans, who reached the AFC Championship after a 9-7 season.

The 10-year veteran, who has made five Pro Bowls and earned at least five sacks in each of his past seven full seasons, was traded to Denver for a seventh-round pick after nine years in Tennessee.

It was a stunning move, even if Casey's best days may be behind him. On top of his personal accomplishments, Casey's durability has been impressive; he missed only two games over his past five full seasons because of a sprained foot in 2015 and a knee injury in 2018. A shoulder injury kept Casey out for two games in 2019.

His absence is a tremendous loss for Denver, even though the team features strong defensive personnel at all three levels.

Tennessee's run defense was largely fantastic with Casey manning the middle, with Football Outsiders ranking the unit 10th in the NFL in DVOA (defense-adjusted value over average) in 2019. Casey is also a consistent source of pressure with 113 career quarterback hits from 2011-19.

DeMarcus Walker should now see more playing time at defensive end in the Broncos' 3-4 scheme.

The fourth-year veteran had 22 tackles and four sacks despite playing on just 21 percent of the team's defensive snaps last year, per Pro Football Reference.