The Denver Broncos play the Washington Commanders in Week 13 on “Sunday Night Football,” but the availability of one of the former’s starting safeties is in question. On the heels of EDGE Jonah Elliss being ruled out on Saturday, another Broncos defensive player was added to the injury report. The player added to the injury report is a key contributor to the Broncos’ defensive coordinator Vance Joseph’s defense.
Talanoa Hufanga (Illness)
9 News’ Mike Klis reported that Hufanga was added to the injury report on Sunday morning. The Broncos play an island game in Week 13 on “Sunday Night Football.” Klis wrote, “Broncos safety Talanoa Hufanga (Illness) has been added to the injury report. His game status is Questionable.”
The Broncos’ defense is No. 1 in PFSN’s Defense Impact Score, while Hufanga is No. 1 in PFSN’s Safety Impact Score. He has totaled five pass breakups this season, totaling a 92.2 Safety Impact Score.
If Hufanga is out, fellow safety P.J. Locke would enter the starting lineup. The latter started 15 out of a possible 17 games last season. Locke totaled 74 total tackles, three tackles for loss, and a QB hit. In addition, he totaled two pass breakups and a forced fumble. As of now, Locke is a subpackage starter in big nickel and big dime. Hufanga’s absence pushes JL Skinner or Devon Key onto the active roster — and into a subpackage starter role.
Alongside Brandon Jones, Hufanga and the former form the best safety duo in the NFL. For reference, Jones is No. 8 in PFSN’s Safety Impact Score. In nickel defense, because of cornerback Pat Surtain II, Hufanga and Jones roam the middle of the field.
Surtain II and fellow cornerback Riley Moss are on islands on the boundary. So, Joseph sends five or more pass rushers. This creates individual matchups on the offensive line against the defensive line. A non-blitz play on defense sends only four rushers. Meanwhile, this leaves a backer on the tight end — and the running back in a lame duck situation — and both safeties to read and react.
Stay tuned for “Sunday Night Football” inactives to be announced 90 minutes before the game.
