Several veterans held out of practice Monday

The Broncos aren’t in full pads for practice Monday, the first practice in the final week of preseason. Even so, several veterans are being held out with injuries, including starting right guard Chris Kuper and starting defensive tackles Kevin Vickerson and Brodrick Bunkley, and weakside linebacker D.J. Williams. The starters are unlikely to play in Thursday’s preseason finale at Arizona. Bunkley’s and Williams’ absences are not a surprise after both suffered injuries in Saturday’s preseason game against Seattle. Williams is expected to miss 3-4 weeks because of a dislocated elbow. Bunkley’s knee injury appeared less serious, but he will likely be considered “day to day” heading into the Sept. 12 season opener against Oakland. Vickerson has his left ankle taped as he watches practice. Kuper is also watching practice, as Russ Hochstein has filled in at his right guard spot with the first-team offense.