Final Courtland Sutton Decision Made by the Broncos for Week 17
Given that it is Week 17, the Denver Broncos’ injury report reflects that.
The Mile High City is entering a new chapter. It might be more accurate to say that quarterback Russell Wilson of the Denver Broncos has been officially benched, marking the end of an era.
The 12-year veteran decided to validate a shocking rumor that surfaced from Wilson’s camp on Wednesday, claiming that the Broncos had gotten in touch with him during the bye week and threatened to bench him if he didn’t agree to take the injury guarantees out of his contract. This shows that he isn’t going down without a fight.
Head coach Sean Payton, who has refuted any participation at all in Wilson’s allegations of being intimidated, must find it hard to share space with Wilson in the Dove Valley hallways and conference rooms. The Broncos still have two games left, starting with their matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, despite all the controversy.
Both clubs released their final Week 17 injury report on Friday. Let’s investigate.
Analysis: It’s bad that Browning isn’t available right after the Broncos get back Bonitto. This season at outside linebacker, it has been the general narrative. Denver may be something if they could manage to obtain and keep Jonathan Cooper, Bonitto, and Browning on the field.
It is also painful not to have Sutton, who sustained the injury pretty early in the Christmas Eve loss and is still under concussion protocol. Sutton has had a tremendous season, with a career-high 10 touchdown catches. However, in order to increase his chances of being selected to the Pro Bowl, he needed to increase his receptions and yardage, and missing the most of two games in the final stretch will make that challenging.
The backup quarterback who is now starting, Jarrett Stidham, will need to find another place to throw the ball. Wilson found it to be a difficult challenge, but on Sunday we’ll find out if Sutton’s absence hinders Stidham in a similar way.
Watch the situation with Jeudy and Mims now that Sutton is out. Mims is tending to a hamstring injury, and Jeudy missed practice on Friday due to an illness. Once more, Stidham needs as many arrows as possible in his quiver, so losing his top three receivers might be disastrous.
The Broncos began Dulcich and Palczewski’s clock a few weeks ago, but it doesn’t appear like either will be formally activated off injured reserve in time to make a significant impact. That pair is quickly out of runway.
