The Denver Broncos already have the league’s best pass rush, and it’s being even further fortified this weekend with the potential addition of defensive end Kenny Anunike.
Anunike, a former undrafted player out of Duke, missed all of last season on injured reserve after appearing to have made the team with a strong offseason and camp. The Broncos got him back on the field this year at an increased weight to play a 3-4 end position, and he looks faster, stronger, and more explosive than ever.
He played in — and dominated — the Broncos’ first preseason game, but we haven’t seen him since then. He’s been out after a knee scope and is finally working his way back onto the practice field. Head coach Gary Kubiak seemed optimistic about his chances this Sunday night against the Lions.
“He’s a game-time decision. He’s practiced very well. We have to sit down right now. We haven’t had this problem in a few weeks where everyone is kind of healthy with [OLB] Lerentee [McCray] and him. We have to sort out our 46 and see which way we go.”
This is a great problem for the Broncos to have. It’s doubtful that Kayvon Webster will play, so it could be our first look at Lorenzo Doss this week, but if the Broncos feel like they can replace Webster on special teams with McCray and use Anunike defensively, there should be a combination they can figure out.
If we get our hopes too high, we might be disappointed. Everyone wants to see Anunike play, but the Broncos’ defensive line rotation has been really good thus far. They have gotten consistent production out of everyone that has contributed, and they are preparing for their last two games without Derek Wolfe.
Getting Anunike some reps could provide clarity on what players to keep in the rotation as the season progresses. If Anunike plays, it could be a long day for Matthew Stafford and the Detroit offensive line. Here’s the final injury report for both teams.
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