The Broncos secondary appears to be getting a huge break for Monday
Oct 15, 2022, 3:22 PM | Updated: 3:26 pm
As the Broncos begin adapting to life without injured CB Ronald Darby, it appears they could get a huge break.
Saturday, ESPN reported that Chargers WR Keenan Allen does not expect to play Monday night.
Officially, the Chargers listed Allen as “doubtful” after a third consecutive day of limited practice work.
“I doubt it, but it’s in the air,” Allen told ESPN when asked whether he would play Monday.
Allen last played in Week 1, when he injured his hamstring. He had a further setback in Week 4. He told ESPN that things were “looking bright” for him to return next week, against Seattle.
For the Broncos, Allen’s absence eases the burden on a young cornerback corps. Rookie Damarri Mathis filled in for Darby against the Colts. But he is questionable with a knee injury. He saw limited practice work in each of the last three days. But Mathis noted Thursday that he didn’t think the knee would affect him.
Also in the mix is Michael Ojemudia. He is eligible to return from injured reserve after practicing this week. His four days of practice were his first since he dislocated his elbow at Buffalo on Aug. 20.
Allen has long been a challenge for the Broncos. In three of his last four games against Denver, he scored.
In the last four weeks, Los Angeles used Josh Palmer and DeAndre Carter to pick up the slack. Palmer has 183 yards and a touchdown on 17 catches; Carter has 175 yards and a score on 13 receptions. But Carter’s output has declined each game since Week 1.
Aside from Mike Williams — who leads Los Angeles with 392 receiving yards — Justin Herbert has leaned heavily on RB Austin Ekeler and TE Gerald Everett in Allen’s absence. Combined, the two have 45 receptions and 4 touchdowns.
That emphasis should continue with Allen sidelined. For at least one week, that should make the task of replacing Darby a bit easier.
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