Reinforcements are on the horizon.
Broncos linebacker Baron Browning (knee) and safety P.J. Locke (toe) practiced on Wednesday.
Browning, who remains on the reserve/PUP list, has been sidelined since the spring while Locke started the season on the injured reserve after getting carted off the field during training camp. Both players have 21 days to be activated on the 53-man roster or they’ll be out for the remainder of the season.
Head coach Sean Payton said Locke is further ahead than Browning in the recovery process. Locke was a full participant at practice while Browning was limited.
“We want to be smart,” Payton said. “These guys missed a lot of football reps, so we’ll go day-by-day.”
Browning’s return to practice comes on the day that Denver released outside linebacker Randy Gregory.
Broncos cornerback K’Waun Williams (ankle) and offensive lineman Alex Palczewski (hand) are also eligible to return off the injured reserve. Tight end Greg Dulcich (hamstring) is eligible to return from the IR next week.
In other injury related news, safety Justin Simmons (hip), inside linebacker Josey Jewell (hip/groin), outside linebacker Frank Clark (hip) and defensive tackle Mike Purcell (ribs) practiced after being sidelined in Denver’s 31-28 win over the Chicago Bears last week.
All four players, as well as wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (knee) and center Lloyd Cushenberry III (quad) were limited participants. Running back Javonte Williams did not participate in practice after leaving Sunday’s game early due to a hip injury despite being listed on the injury report with a quad issue.
Simmons said he was “really close” to playing against Chicago and is hopeful that he is available for Sunday’s matchup against the New York Jets. Clark, who hasn’t played since Week 1, did not comment on whether he will play, as he is solely focused on getting healthy.
“I want to get back on the field. But at the same time, you got to protect the team and yourself,” Clark said.
Washington promoted to active roster
Broncos running back Dwayne Washington was promoted to the active roster while wide receiver Michael Bandy was signed to the practice squad after being waived on Tuesday.
Washington was a practice squad elevation in each of the past three games, playing 56 snaps on special teams and none on offense.
Hall to play Broncos with no limitations
Jets head coach Robert Saleh told reporters on Wednesday that running back Breece Hall, who suffered a torn ACL in 2022, no longer has a pitch count.
Hall watched a promising rookie campaign get cut short after he injured his knee in the first half of the Jets’ 16-9 victory over the Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Week 7. He managed to return for the Jets’ season-opening win against the Buffalo Bills and rushed for 127 yards on 10 carries. He has totaled a combined 83 yards on 22 carries in the last three games.
“Itap scary. I still see the same running back that I saw on tape last year,” Simmons said. “I know he had that unfortunate injury, but he looks good.”
