Denver Broncos: Players who can step up big time vs. Chiefs

Isaiah McKenzie

Injured player: DaeSean Hamilton

Let me start this one out by clarifying that there is no guarantee McKenzie will be active for this game.

Pacman Jones, a player who was signed for a veteran body in the defensive backfield and for his abilities as a punt returner, practiced in full this week and will play against the Chiefs.

The Broncos may shy away from giving Jones all of the punt return opportunities in this game, however, as Jones has struggled with a hamstring injury and they may need to limit his snaps even further than they have been.

As noted earlier in the week, McKenzie is a dynamic threat with the football in his hands and could be a huge difference maker for the Broncos. The only issue is, that could be for good or for bad.

McKenzie had six fumbles on punts as a rookie, three of which were recovered by the other team.

Despite having a fumble in a preseason loss to the Chicago Bears, McKenzie was perfect on punt returns in the preseason and even added a big touchdown against the Vikings in the Broncos’ preseason opener.

He’s an explosive talent with the ball in his hands, and if he can make sure the ball gets into his hands, he’s going to make a splash.