The Broncos have a good kind of problem: A receiver who is commanding extra attention. was double-teamed on all three of the Broncos’ final plays against Minnesota.
Sutton had five catches for 113 yards in the loss to the Vikings but wasn’t targeted on Brandon Allen’s final three passes into the end zone.
“Itap nice when you establish yourself and you become ‘a guy’ in the league and you become somebody teams view in that respect,” Broncos offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello said. “Does that mean you don’t go to him when he’s doubled? You have to be particular with what you do and when you do it. It will create things in the run game (and) it will create things for other players.
“Itap our job to find ways to make sure (defenses containing Sutton) doesn’t happen and we can continue to run the offense through him.”
Sutton enters Sunday’s game with 805 receiving yards, third in the AFC behind Kansas City’s (833) and Buffalo’s (817) and 10th in the NFL.
Gooden promoted. The Broncos promoted rookie outside linebacker Ahmad Gooden from the practice squad and waived tight end/fullback Orson Charles (who was signed Tuesday). Gooden will take the place of Justin Hollins, who was ruled out (hamstring) in the defensive rotation and on special teams.
“I can’t wait to see him play,” special teams coordinator Tom McMahon said. “I thought his last two games in the preseason were very good. He’s earned it.”
Several questionable. The Broncos listed seven players as questionable to play against Buffalo: Inside linebacker Joe Jones (foot), right guard (shoulder/neck), center (back), left guard Dalton Risner (ankle), receiver (shoulder), tight end (knee) and right tackle Ja’Wuan James (knee).
Coach Vic Fangio expects McGovern, Risner and Leary to play. Heuerman did the full practice Friday, a sign he will return after a two-game absence. Fangio said defensive end DeMarcus Walker (shoulder) is healthy, but the Broncos will “probably still go,” with .
Lock update. As expected, Brett Rypien will remain the backup quarterback to Brandon Allen. Fangio said Drew Lock would “possibly” be activated to the roster after the Buffalo game.
“He’s not getting a ton of reps,” Fangio said. “The offense is getting more plays than the defense in practice to facilitate that somewhat. He’s definitely doing good when you factor in he hasn’t done anything since whenever in August. Is he ready? I don’t know if he’ll ever be ‘ready-ready’ in the next few weeks based upon his lack of practice time, but there’s a chance at some point (this season) that maybe he’ll play.”
Correctable penalties. Broncos nickel back Duke Dawson has been called for one penalty in each of his last five games (one declined), a note brought up by Fangio earlier this week.
Dawson was called for pass interference, holding, holding (declined), illegal hands and pass interference. His last penalty was five yards downfield on a third-and-10 play by Minnesota that gave the Vikings a first down.
“Just small things; nothing major,” Dawson said. “I’ve been too aggressive sometimes. I have to work on when to be aggressive and when not to.”
Dawson had good coverage against Vikings tight end Irv Smith, but he wouldn’t let go of him instead of allowing a completion and making the tackle short of the first-down marker.
“Just run with him,” Dawson said of the ideal technique. “I knew he was a big guy so I wanted to be on him tighter than normal, but I have to learn to make the tackle or push him out of bounds. You go out and learn new things every time you step on the field.”
Footnotes. While the Broncos practiced Friday, general manager and director of player personnel Matt Russell were on their way to Columbus, Ohio, for Saturday’s Penn State-Ohio State game. … McMahon on punter Colby Wadman, who averaged only 35 yards net per attempt against Minnesota: “He needs to be more consistent, there’s no question. He has to improve on that and we can’t have two good balls and a bad one. The best kickers, one thing they are is boring — because they do the same thing every time and itap very good.”
