Broncos Face Chiefs with Injury Concerns and a Rookie Punter’s Wind Woes
The Denver Broncos are navigating a challenging stretch as they prepare to face the Kansas City Chiefs, grappling with key injuries and the lingering effects of unusual weather conditions that hampered rookie punter Jeremy Crawshaw’s performance last week.
Denver’s special teams coordinator recently explained the difficulties Crawshaw faced during the Thursday Night Football matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. “There’s really a big difference between a ground wind and a wind up in the air. People wouldn’t think that,” the coordinator said following Thursday’s practice. “The ball wasn’t getting affected too much once it was up in the air. But man, the operation was a struggle for both sides.”
Crawshaw mis-hit his initial punt, but subsequent attempts were significantly impacted by unpredictable wind patterns. One punt was even shown on broadcast hitting near his ankle. He finished the night with seven punts, averaging a net of 41.6 yards – his second-worst performance in 10 games. The coordinator noted that the wind was particularly disruptive to Crawshaw’s drops, causing the ball to move erratically as he prepared to kick. He described the conditions as “probably one of the most odd wind days I’ve been a part of,” noting the wind worsened as the game progressed, despite being calm during warmups.
Beyond the special teams challenges, the Broncos are also looking to integrate a familiar face back into the offense. Wide receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey, recently signed off the New York Giants’ practice squad, is expected to contribute immediately. Humphrey previously played for the Broncos and the New Orleans Saints, and his return comes with a warning from his own experience.
Humphrey reportedly cautioned his former Giants teammates against complacency during their early lead against Denver a few weeks ago. According to Broncos offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi, Humphrey “was like, ‘Guys, you don’t know what’s going on over there. Those guys don’t care. They’re going to keep playing hard. Do not let up and do not expect this thing to be easy the whole way.’” The Giants ultimately suffered a stunning 33-point fourth-quarter collapse, losing to the Broncos after leading 19-0.
Lombardi expressed confidence in Humphrey’s abilities, stating, “He’s smart and he’s a good blocker. He’s more productive than people give him credit for.” He emphasized Humphrey’s reliability, adding, “You know exactly what you’re going to get from him, and you know that if you give him a job, he’s going to get it done.”
However, Denver’s preparation for the Chiefs is overshadowed by mounting injury concerns. Running back J.K. Dobbins has not participated in practice for two consecutive days due to a foot injury, and his status for Sunday’s game remains uncertain. Four other players – tight end Nate Adkins, cornerback Pat Surtain II, inside linebacker Alex Singleton, and outside linebacker Jonah Elliss – also did not participate in Thursday’s practice.
The Broncos received some positive news with wide receiver Trent Sherfield returning to practice and Adkins participating in stretching exercises for the first time since sustaining a knee injury last month. Despite this, the team anticipates playing shorthanded against Kansas City. Surtain is expected to miss a third straight game, but the team’s schedule allows him to potentially return November 30th against Washington without needing to be placed on injured reserve.
The Broncos will need to overcome these obstacles as they prepare for a crucial divisional matchup against the Chiefs.
