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Denver Broncos could take committee approach at ILB

By Graham Tiedtke

KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 28: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs throws a pass in the pocket with heavy pressure from Josey Jewell #47 of the Denver Broncos during the first half of the game at Arrowhead Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 28: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs throws a pass in the pocket with heavy pressure from Josey Jewell #47 of the Denver Broncos during the first half of the game at Arrowhead Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images) /
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The Denver Broncos will likely have ILB Joe Jones back against the Los Angeles Chargers but could be without Josey Jewell.

As is the case with every team in the league, injuries are going to happen. That is the case for the Denver Broncos this season. At inside linebacker, Joe Jones has been out with a triceps injury.

Good news for Jones, however. He has participated fully in practice the past three days. That likely means that he is good to go for the Denver Broncos on Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Jones is the backup at one of the two inside linebacker position spots on the Denver Broncos depth chart. The starters are Todd Davis as well as Josey Jewell.

Speaking of Jewell, he has been listed as questionable for the game against the Chargers because of a hamstring injury. Jewell has missed the last three days of practice because of the injury.

Head coach Vic Fangio said that to fill the void left by Jewell’s absence, the team will use a committee approach.

The return of Jones could be very important for the Broncos. He may not have the stats to show for it (15 tackles in 23 career games), but any help the Broncos can get at inside linebacker could be very useful.

Jewell had the third-best grade for a linebacker during the first quarter of the 2018 season, according to Pro Football Focus. You don’t just get that recognition for nothing.

Part of the job of an inside linebacker is to cover tight ends. That has been one of the Achilles’ heels of the Broncos over a number of years. Hopefully Jones will be able to prevent former Broncos tight end Virgil Green from going off.

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Chargers starting tight end Hunter Henry is out with a knee injury. That is a nice break for the Denver Broncos defense as they look to get their first win of the 2019 season, and the first of rookie head coach Vic Fangio’s career.

The Broncos’ other inside linebackers are Alexander Johnson and Corey Nelson, who the team brought back in early September.

Justin Hollins, who is listed as an “OR” option at strong side linebacker on the depth chart, could also play in some instances.

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