Broncos cornerback Riley Moss (knee) was listed as a non-participant for the second straight day, putting his availability for Sunday’s matchup against the Colts in jeopardy.
With Moss likely missing his second straight game since sustaining an MCL injury against the Raiders last month, Denver has a tough decision to make at the outside cornerback spot opposite Pat Surtain II.
The Broncos could turn to veteran Levi Wallace despite a disastrous performance against the Browns his last time out when he allowed six catches for 151 yards. Or the franchise could continue its commitment to a youth movement and give rookie Kris Abrams-Draine a longer look at outside corner.
No matter which direction the team goes on Sunday, defensive coordinator Vance Joseph is confident in both players. Joseph expressed his support for Wallace, taking the blame for the 29-year-old’s struggles in the win over Cleveland.
Before Week 13, Wallace gave up nine catches for 72 yards and a passer rating of 82.9 on 13 targets in 136 coverage snaps, according to NFL’s Next Gen Stats. He also allowed a completion percentage of 69.2%.
“I didn’t call a great game if he didn’t play a great game. It falls on me first,” Joseph said. “It’s my job to make his job easy.”
Joseph added that Abrams-Draine is ready to play after appearing in 11 defensive snaps, including 10 in coverage, in his NFL debut against Cleveland. Joseph said Abrams-Draine is a smart player who has practiced well and is engaged in meetings.
The Broncos didn’t have to rush Abrams-Draine onto the field with Moss playing well opposite Surtain. With a position like cornerback, Joseph said it takes time for players to get adjusted.
“Cornerback is a position if you are not ready, it can be a bad deal for you,” Joseph said. “(Abrams-Draine) competed well on Monday night. The more he plays, the more he’ll improve.”
Abrams-Draine’s experience playing for Missouri in the Southeastern Conference, arguably the toughest conference in college football, has his teammates believing he can handle more playing time.
During his four-year career with the Tigers, he recorded 33 pass breakups and seven picks in 39 games.
“He’s played a great amount of ball in the SEC,” Surtain said. “He’s built for moments like this.”
Broncos QBs have strong bond: Broncos offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi said Denver’s quarterback room, featuring Bo Nix, Zach Wilson and Jarrett Stidham, has been a tight group.
“They spend a lot of time on their own watching film,” Lombardi said. “Those guys get along so well.”
Lombardi said the quarterbacks get together on Thursday nights to have dinner. However, Nix is unable to host this week due to having family in town, causing a bit of tension in the room.
“They’re not doing it tonight so they were mad at him about that,” Lombardi said. “I think there’s a camaraderie with those guys. They’re unselfish (and) root for each other.”
No changes to injury report: In addition to Moss not participating, safety Brandon Jones (abdominal) was limited at practice for the second straight day. This season, Jones has been a solid presence on the back end, totaling 82 tackles and six passes defended.
If Jones is unable to play, safety Devon Key could be in line to make his third start of the season.
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