Add another key defensive starter to the Broncos’ list of nagging ailments.
Defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers didn’t practice Wednesday with a knee injury, according to the team’s injury report. Franklin-Myers wasn’t seen at all Wednesday, a sudden development after he played 36 snaps in Week 1 on Sunday against the Titans.
A source told The Denver Post that Franklin-Myers reported the knee injury to staff on Monday. He recorded one tackle with one pressure and one QB hurry against Tennessee, per Pro Football Focus.
Even with fellow defensive lineman Malcolm Roach on short-term injured reserve, the Broncos still have plenty of depth on the active roster if Franklin-Myers is limited through the rest of the week. Reserve linemen Jordan Jackson and Eyioma Uwazurike played a combined 26 snaps Sunday after both putting together strong training camps, and rookie third-rounder Sai’vion Jones was designated inactive.
No Greenlaw updates: Elsewhere, veteran linebacker Dre Greenlaw still continues to be limited with a quad injury after missing his fourth straight practice Wednesday. The free-agent addition’s status is a key point for Denver this week, as head coach Sean Payton affirmed the team’s linebackers will be important in coverage Sunday against Indianapolis rookie tight end Tyler Warren.
Payton hinted Monday that fans would see Greenlaw “sooner than later.” The Broncos still haven’t put Greenlaw on injured reserve, seeming to indicate his status is week-to-week. When asked about the lack of IR designation Wednesday, Payton said he didn’t have an update but added the linebacker was making good progress.
Engram practices: In a dash of good injury news, tight end Evan Engram was back at practice Wednesday after missing much of the second half against the Titans with a calf injury. He was still designated as limited — not a full participant — on the team’s injury report, and was seen working on a side field after a couple of initial periods of practice.
Practice-squad cornerback Reese Taylor also suited up for practice Wednesday for the first time since training camp.
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