Broncos’ Russell Wilson to return in Week 8 vs. Jaguars

As expected, Russell Wilson will make his return to the Broncos’ starting lineup Sunday. Nathaniel Hackett announced Friday that Wilson will return after a one-game absence.

Despite the Broncos having a bye week following their London assignment, Wilson will return after missing Week 7 due to a hamstring issue. Wilson, who has now battled hamstring and shoulder ailments this season, has missed just four career games. He returns to a Broncos team in disarray, with trade rumors surrounding it ahead of what promises to be a seminal Jaguars matchup.

Signing a five-year, $245M extension ($124M fully guaranteed), Wilson has not clicked in Hackett’s offense. Denver’s defense has been responsible for four of the team’s five losses being by one score. Wilson, 33, ranks 29th in QBR after six starts. Even as he was sluggish upon returning from his finger injury last season, he ended the year 10th in that metric. The Broncos are counting on their high-priced passer to show better form, but Wilson’s injury has followed other key setbacks for the team.

Denver has seen Bradley Chubb and Jerry Jeudy draw persistent trade interest. Both players appear genuine threats to be moved next week, and a loss to the Jags could prompt the team to make major trades and recoup some draft capital the Wilson acquisition sacrificed.