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

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 18: Running back Phillip Lindsay #30 of the Denver Broncos stiff arms cornerback Patrick Peterson #21 of the Arizona Cardinals during the first quarter at State Farm Stadium on October 18, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 18: Running back Phillip Lindsay #30 of the Denver Broncos stiff arms cornerback Patrick Peterson #21 of the Arizona Cardinals during the first quarter at State Farm Stadium on October 18, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
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GLENDALE, AZ – AUGUST 30: Wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie #16 of the Denver Broncos runs with the football during the preseason NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on August 30, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. The Broncos defeated the Cardinals 21-10. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – AUGUST 30: Wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie #16 of the Denver Broncos runs with the football during the preseason NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on August 30, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. The Broncos defeated the Cardinals 21-10. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

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.

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