KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Broncos’ No. 2 run defense and struggling offense will be without a pair of key players Monday night as they battle the Chiefs. Inside linebacker and receiver , both of whom were kept out of practice last week because of ankle sprains, are among the team’s seven inactive players.
Davis will be replaced by , a second-year linebacker who has played in 22 career games with one start.
The loss of Sanders for the second consecutive game is softened by the return of speedy receiver/returner Isaiah McKenzie (ankle) and (knee) from injury. The two not only provide additional weapons in the passing game, but bolster a special teams that has struggled mightily in the past two games. Joining Davis and Sanders on the inactive list is quarterback (shoulder). and will remain the lone two quarterbacks available.
“We didn’t (rule him out), but he practiced for the first time Wednesday,” head coach said of Lynch. “Thatap not fair to the guy.”
Rookie linebacker DeMarcus Walker, running back De’Angelo Henderson and cornerback are all healthy scratches. And reserve tackle was earlier ruled out with a calf injury.
In positive injury news for Denver, right tackle Menelik Watson will return from a calf injury, shifting veteran Allen Barbre back to being co-left guard with and a swing tackle. And defensive end , who missed a week of practice with foot and hand injuries, will play.
“It would take a lot for me not to be playing on Monday Night Football against the Chiefs,” Wolfe said Friday.
Outside linebacker will also return from a wrist injury to make his 2017 debut — in his hometown no less. Ray will start opposite but will be on a snap count in his first game back.
