The Denver Broncos play the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 17 on a Christmas edition of “Thursday Night Football.” Ahead of that, the former’s final injury report of the week was published online on Wednesday. The Broncos will be without key starters on both sides of the ball, including at the pivot and the second level of the defense. Hours before kickoff, let’s see what it means for Denver.
Luke Wattenberg
Dealing with a shoulder injury, Wattenberg was placed on injured reserve ahead of Week 17. The Broncos are No. 4 in PFSN’s Team Offensive Line Impact Score, so the offense should be able to withstand Wattenberg’s absence. But the move likely ends the latter’s season — unless the Broncos make the Super Bowl and if Week 17’s seeding holds up.
Dre Greenlaw
Dealing with a hamstring injury, Greenlaw will miss Week 17 as well. He is No. 35 in PFSN’s LB Impact Score. Greenlaw has played on 309 defensive snaps — totaling 43 total tackles, two tackles for loss, and two QB hits in eight games.
Fellow backer Justin Strnad will start in place of Greenlaw. The former totals a 65.9 LB Impact Score. In addition, Strnad, in 14 games, has played on 465 defensive snaps — totaling 45 total tackles, four tackles for loss, three and a half sacks, and seven QB Hits.
Justin Strnad
Strnad doesn’t have a game status designation for Week 17 after practicing in full every day this week.
Pat Bryant
After playing on 63.6% of the offensive snaps in Week 16, Bryant is out in Week 17. He was hurt late in the fourth quarter after totaling five receptions on eight targets for 42 yards.
Nate Adkins
After returning for two games, Weeks 15 and 16, Adkins is out again in Week 17. In a corresponding move, the Broncos have signed fellow tight end Marcedes Lewis to the 53-man roster ahead of Week 17.
Karene Reid
Reid, dealing with a hamstring injury, is still not ready to return in Week 17.
Adam Trautman
Trautman didn’t practice on Wednesday after practicing in full on Monday and Tuesday. This is a situation to monitor up to 90 minutes before kickoff when inactives are announced.
Ben Powers
Powers doesn’t have a game status designation this week after practicing in full every day this week — and playing in Week 16. In his second game back, Powers will help offset the loss of Wattenberg.
Riley Moss
Moss’ game status designation is unspecified for this week. This is a situation to monitor up to 90 minutes before kickoff. If Moss is out, look for fellow cornerbacks Jahdae Barron and Kris Abrams-Draine to platoon replacing him in 3-4 base defense and nickel/dime.
