Broncos-Vikings Final Injury Update: WR Questionable

The Denver Broncos and their opponents are not going to take a break after defeating two strong AFC teams in a row. The most difficult part of Denver’s schedule is still ahead of them, starting with the Minnesota Vikings.

But if Sean Payton is fortunate enough to avoid injury, who knows what the potential ceiling for this team in 2023 will be. Although the Broncos have already lost a few players to the bug, the largest losses occurred in the summer before the season began.

While there have been some bumps and bruises, overall roster health has improved significantly this season over the previous four in Denver, when the Broncos ended each season among the NFL’s most injured teams.

As the Vikings visit the city for a primetime game on Sunday Night Football, let’s examine the final injury reports for both teams from Week 11 and determine any potential ramifications.

Broncos

Out

• P.J. Locke | S | Ankle

Full Go

• Garett Bolles | OT | Ankle
• Samaje Perine | RB | Ankle
• Ben Powers | OG | Foot
• Jerry Jeudy | WR | Hip
• Baron Browning | OLB | Wrist/Knee
• Marvin Mims Jr. | WR | Ankle
• Ronnie Perkins | OLB | Quad

Analysis: The Football Gods fortunately scheduled Locke’s absence to coincide with Kareem Jackson’s return from a two-game suspension. Locke is the only significant role player that the Broncos will be missing. This is a fortunate development as Delarrin Turner-Yell has not fared well in any of his appearances this year.

Observe Jeudy’s hip position. Due to the fact that wide receivers run, plant, and explode so frequently during games, there are several ways in which a hip injury can cause issues.

The two starting O-linemen for the team, Bolles and Powers, are both cleared to play despite their injuries. It’s something else to be mindful of.

Even though Browning is undoubtedly the best rush linebacker in Denver, his biggest weakness is still his history of injuries. As any NFL player can attest, Browning has been prone to injuries outside of his rookie year, as shown by the six games he missed to start the current campaign.

However, Browning makes such a difference when he’s on the field. Hopefully, his wrist and knee hold up against the Vikings on Sunday night, and whatever weakness he may have doesn’t get worse.

Vikings

Out

• Akayleb Evans | CB | Calf
• Jaren Hall | QB | Concussion

Questionable

• Justin Jefferson | WR | Hamstring
• Nick Mullens | QB | Back
• Brian Asamoah II | LB | Ankle
• Alexander Mattison | RB | Concussion
• Chris Reed | OG | Foot

Full Go

• Joshua Dobbs | QB | Ankle
• T.J. Hockenson | TE | Ribs
• Dean Lowry | DL | Groin
• K.J. Osborn | WR | Concussion

Analysis: For Week 11, the Jefferson situation could have a significant effect. His hamstring injury put him on injured reserve, and he hasn’t played since October 8. However, Minnesota recently activated him. He’ll probably play.

As an NFL sensation (for the time being), Dobbs is recovering from an ankle injury, which can be a hindrance for any player, but particularly for a mobile, athletic quarterback like him. Will it restrict his movement and give Denver the upper hand?

We’ll find out in due time.