The Denver Broncos head into the bye week at a slightly disappointing 5-5. These players coming back after the bye could have a huge impact.
The Denver Broncos are 5-5 at the bye week, and although the team’s recent loss to the Philadelphia Eagles is very disappointing, the team’s record at this point is not altogether unexpected.
Although everyone would love for the Broncos to be 6-4 or better at this point, the AFC playoff race remains wide open and the Broncos could get some significant help during and after their week off.
The Raiders play host to the Bengals, the Chargers host the Steelers, and the Chiefs host the Cowboys. Those are all games that could go either way, and we know which way the Broncos are hoping for. Meanwhile, the Ravens play a road game against Chicago, and the battered Cleveland Browns host the Detroit Lions, who are also due at some point.
Players coming back after the bye can help the Broncos
Enough with the bye week matchups to watch, what about the players coming back that can help the Broncos after the bye?
Let’s take a look at four, in particular, to be looking out for.
Player that will boost Broncos playoff hopes #1: Bradley Chubb, EDGE
Yes, we’re still talking about the playoffs.
Why?
Because the playoffs are not out of reach for the Denver Broncos at this point. As a matter of fact, they are anything but.
One player who can help get them there is Bradley Chubb.
Watching Bradley Chubb (ankle) do light running in pregame. There is hope he could play vs. Chargers after the bye. Might be the first week of December. But he's showing progress. #Denver7 #Broncos
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) November 14, 2021
Chubb has been steadily working his way back from an ankle procedure earlier this season that was supposed to keep him out for at least six weeks. The goal has always been for Chubb to come back at some point this season.
With seven games remaining, returning after the bye week would be absolutely perfect timing if Chubb is able to go.
It obviously didn’t work out with him trying to play through the pain as he did against Jacksonville, but having had a procedure and necessary time to heal, the Broncos could get the 2020 Pro Bowler back just in time to make a little run.
What better time than after the bye against the Los Angeles Chargers, another team hovering just barely above .500 despite the fact that many people seem to think they are way better than that.
We won’t get to see Chubb in tandem with Von Miller in the Vic Fangio defense, but we could see Chubb and breakout rookie Jonathon Cooper.