MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The Broncos take on the 4-7 Dolphins on Sunday with depleted lines, thanks to injuries and an illness that has spread through the team’s locker room. Starting nose tackle Domata Peko (knee), defensive end (neck) and right guard Ron Leary (back) were all ruled out Friday, along with quarterback (ankle), who was injured in his lone start this season.
Joining them on the inactive list Sunday are tackle Cyrus Kouandjio, rookie running back De’Angelo Henderson and receiver/returner .
In Leary’s absence, will start at right guard and will start at right tackle.
Peko’s injury ends his 123-game starting streak that stands as the longest among active defensive linemen.
“I’m grateful I was able to put that streak together,” he said. “This doesn’t happen very often. I was just looking at the guys that are up there in the 100-something games started in a row. There’s a lot of DBs, a lot of smaller dudes, wide receivers — to have a nose guard in that category is pretty awesome.”
On defense, Zach Kerr will likely fill in at nose tackle and Shelby Harris is expected to start at end in Wolfe’s spot.
The Broncos are also without starting cornerback , who was suspended one game for his role in a fight with Oakland’s in Week 12. will shift to the outside in place of Talib, and rookie Brendan Langley will be move into the role of the third cornerback. For depth, the team promoted undrafted rookie Marcus Rios was from the practice squad.
“We’re just trying to get the win,” Roby said. “I started before. I’ve started a lot of times. It doesn’t change for me. Itap really just getting everybody on the same page to get the win. Thatap it.”
The Broncos initially listed as four players questionable to play Sunday, with three due to a flu-like bug that has affected and a handful of defensive players. Siemian did not miss practice last week and will start at quarterback while serves as his backup. Outside linebacker did have to miss practice time last week but said he plans to play despite the symptoms.
Inside linebacker and rookie OLB/DE DeMarcus Walker, both of whom were sick last week too, will play.
