Denver Broncos: Who should not be playing in the Hall of Fame game?
The Denver Broncos open up their preseason play with the first exhibition game of 2019 — the Hall of Fame game in Canton. Who should not play?
The Denver Broncos open up their preseason play in 2019 in the Hall of Fame game against the Atlanta Falcons.
The Broncos have five preseason games this year thanks to their involvement in the annual exhibition in Canton, OH. For that reason, there are a variety of players who should not be playing this game.
Many players on the Broncos’ roster don’t need the action they get in three preseason game to get ready, much less five, but some players should be completely off-limits for this game, regardless if the Broncos are implementing a new system on both sides of the ball or not.
Which players should definitely not play? Aside from the obvious players coming back from injury (Emmanuel Sanders, Jake Butt, Ron Leary) here are a few guys who should just be hanging out on the sidelines, as ultimately, their presence in the regular season is much more important.
Von Miller & Bradley Chubb
Keep Von Miller out of this game. As a matter of fact, send him over to the Hall of Fame to get fitted for his jacket when he’s inducted as a first-ballot Hall of Famer someday.
Miller doesn’t need preseason reps at all. The Broncos would be wise to put him on ice for this game.
I also think the Broncos should keep Chubb out of this game. The duo of Miller and Chubb is the team’s greatest weapon on defense right now. It is probably the best pass rush duo in the entire league.
They don’t need these guys risking getting hurt out there. Give the reps to younger guys. The top edge players behind Miller and Chubb right now are second-year player Jeff Holland and rookie Justin Hollins. They should be starting this game.
Joe Flacco
I know Flacco is not Tom Brady, but the Broncos are pitching this season as Flacco’s. Therefore, this game should almost be treated like a preseason week four game, where the starters basically do not play at all.
Flacco doesn’t need to be getting hit unnecessarily. Let Kevin Hogan, Drew Lock, and Brett Rypien take the reps.
Phillip Lindsay
Phillip Lindsay ended last season on IR with a wrist injury. Knowing how hard he goes on every play, regardless of whether or not it’s the preseason, it’s probably better to limit his in-game reps on meaningless games.
The Broncos have a decent competition for their RB3 job going anyway, so let the other backs play.
Chris Harris Jr.
If Chris Harris Jr. steps onto the field in this game, I will be livid.
The Broncos can’t afford to lose their best defensive back.
Josey Jewell
With Todd Davis already getting hurt early in training camp, the Broncos’ depth has been officially tested at ILB. They can’t afford to lose their other starter, Josey Jewell. He should not be playing in the HOF game.
Next. Broncos training camp updates: Day 3. dark
Other players on the roster should not be off-limits if they are healthy, if even for just a series. There are some players who have definitely ‘arrived’ and others with a lot to prove. This is an exhibition game and a chance to get some valuable reps, but some guys are not worth risking.