Broncos Rule Out Trio of Key Defenders for Week 4 vs. Bears

The Denver Broncos' reeling defense will be shorthanded in Chicago.

The Denver Broncos are gearing up to get back in the saddle this week in hopes of dimming the abomination of a memory of last Sunday's humiliating 50-point defeat. The Broncos are on the road again this week, fixing to take on the similarly winless Chicago Bears. 

The Broncos were without two key defensive mavens entering Week 3, then lost another starter on that side of the ball during the action, as well as a key depth player on the D-line. The collective absence of these players, though not the impetus for the Broncos' defensive capitulation last week, definitely accelerated the unit's demise. 

With Friday comes each team's final injury report for the week. Let's examine where things stand for the Broncos, then we'll take a peek at the Bears. 

Broncos

Questionable

• Justin Simmons | S | Hip

Out

• Frank Clark | OLB | Hip
• Josey Jewell | LB | Hip
• Mike Purcell | DT | Ribs

Full Go

• Lloyd Cushenberry III | C | Illness
• Jerry Jeudy | WR | Knee

Analysis: It's an epidemic of knee ailments ripping through the Broncos locker room, apparently. Simmons, Clark, and Jewell are dealing with a hip, but the former has a chance to play this week. 

Simmons was a limited participant in Wednesday and Thursday's practice, but he didn't participate on Friday. That's usually a bad omen for a player's outlook, missing a Friday practice completely, but some veterans are able to overcome the issue between Friday and Sunday to suit up. I'll be surprised if Simmons plays in Chicago. 

That means the Bears are licking their chops at the prospect of facing Kareem Jackson and Delarrin Turner-Yell, both of whom were brutally exposed last week, not only in coverage, but as tacklers. And yet, the Broncos didn't go out and sign a veteran safety this week, so perhaps there's hope yet for Simmons in the Windy City.

The Broncos' defensive line will definitely feel the absence of Purcell, but being without Jewell at the second level — the quarterback of the defense — will be a huge problem, especially if Simmons is a no-go. Last week, the Broncos debuted rookie third-rounder Drew Sanders, and it was a cringe-worthy performance. But what would you expect for any player destined to debut against the Miami Dolphins' onslaught? 

On offense, Cushenberry will be good to go by game time, but some Broncos fans are likely hoping not. He hasn't been solid thus far, especially in the run game, and the Broncos have other options, including 2022 late-rounder Luke Wattenberg and 2023 seventh-rounder Alex Forsyth. 

Keep an eye on Jeudy's knee. Any knee ailment for a receiver is worrisome, but especially Jeudy, who missed time after a hamstring injury suffered in training camp. It's all the more reason for Sean Payton to scheme a heavier involvement for rookie wideout Marvin Mims Jr., who's been one of the Broncos' few bright spots thus far. 

Friday's #DENvsCHI injury report:

📰 » https://t.co/WzGlAhBqVa pic.twitter.com/Dy4qIJ30VC

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) September 29, 2023

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Bears

Questionable

• Travis Homer | RB | Ankle

Out

• Josh Blackwell | DB | Hamstring
• Eddie Jackson | DB | Foot
• Jaylon Johnson | DB | Hamstring

Full Go

• Tyrique Stevenson | DB | Illness

Analysis: The Bears' secondary will be shorthanded, which could play into Russell Wilson's hands. The Broncos have been this close to hitting critical mass as a passing offense, and still rank No. 8 in the NFL through the air. 

This could be Denver's offensive coming-out party, which would be timely, considering how badly the defense is reeling. A strong, explosive, consistent offensive day at the offense would help take some of the onus off of Vance Joseph's defense. 

Let's hope for some complementary football in Chicago. 

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