Sep 22, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Denver Broncos safety P.J. Locke (6), cornerback Pat Surtain II (2) and linebacker Alex Singleton (49) tackle Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) after a reception during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Broncos Get Massive Boost Before Panthers Game

Originally posted on Denver Broncos on SI
By Chad Jensen | Last updated Oct 25, 2024 10:10 PM ET

The Denver Broncos have not averted the sting of the injury bug this season, losing multiple starters to injured reserve. But the Carolina Panthers are significantly more snake-bitten entering this Week 8 tilt at Mile High.

Both teams revealed their final injury report for the week, so let's start by examining the Panthers' game status.

Panthers

Out

Jordan Fuller | S | Hamstring

D.J. Wonnum | OLB | Quad

Diontae Johnson | WR | Ribs

Jammie Robinson | S | Knee

Nick Scott | S | Hamstring

Adam Thielen | WR | Hamstring

Doubtful

Andy Dalton | QB | Right Thumb

Dane Jackson | CB | Hamstring

Jonathon Brooks | RB | Knee

Questionable

Jadeveon Clownedy | OLB | Shoulder

Jaden Crumedy | DT | Ankle

Sam Franklin Jr. | S | Foot

Tommy Tremble | TE | Back

Claudin Cherelus | LB | Hamstring

Josey Jewell | LB | Hamstring/Groin

Taylor Moton | OT | Elbow

Yosh Nijman | OT | Knee

A'Shawn Robinson | DE | Knee

Full Go

Raheem Blackshear | RB | Shoulder

Jon Rhattigan | LB | Knee

Ja'Tavion Sanders | TE | Groin/Wrist

Eddie Pineiro | K | NIR/Personal

Analysis: It's a blow that Carolina's QB1 and top wideout (Johnson) aren't expected to play. Johnson has been ruled out, and Dalton is doubtful after injuring his throwing thumb in a car accident earlier this week. Meanwhile, Thielen's injury troubles persist.

Carolina is significantly injured in the secondary, especially at safety. The secondary depth will be tested vs. the Broncos.

Alas, it's looking like Jewell's homecoming is in question. But if he has any control over it, he'll definitely be doing all he can to make himself ready for this one.

It's also a bad week for Carolina to have two offensive tackles questionable. The Broncos have the second-ranked pass rush in the NFL through seven weeks.

Friday's #CARvsDEN injury report:

» https://t.co/f1U9sMFcyE pic.twitter.com/hFEziUdHnX
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) October 25, 2024

Broncos

Doubtful

P.J. Locke | S | Thumb

Questionable

Alex Palczewski | OT | Ankle

Full Go

Patrick Surtain II | CB | Concussion

Mike McGlinchey | RT | Knee

Malcolm Roach | DT | Illness

Analysis: The Broncos are getting a nice boost with Surtain's return from a concussion suffered in Week 6. The Broncos did well to hold up in the secondary without him, but that mini-bye following the win in New Orleans bought him the time needed to return to the field and re-mount his Defensive Player of the Year bid.

McGlinchey's return from IR last week was a lightening rod for the Broncos' rushing attack, which suddenly came alive to the tune of 200-plus rushing yards. Here's to hoping he's the lynchpin to making the ground attack a lynchpin of Denver's fledgling offense.

Alas, it's not looking good for Locke, who's dealing with a thumb injury. His starting partner at safety, Brandon Jones, is healthy, though, so that should mitigate the involvement of a less experienced player, whether it's Devon Key, JL Skinner, or Keidron Smith.