The Denver Broncos face a short turnaround following their loss to the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. The team will host the Indianapolis Colts on Thursday Night Football. Unfortunately, it appears we will not get to see running back Javonte Williams for at least this matchup. Pending test results, it might end up being even longer.
The official word is that Williams has torn his ACL. That being said, the Colts are facing a potentially significant injury themselves.
Denver Broncos could be facing Colts without Jonathan Taylor
Running back Jonathan Taylor, while there is no official indication quite yet, could be a long shot to play against the Broncos on Thursday due to an ankle injury he suffered on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans.
If Taylor is unable to go, Nyheim Hines should see plenty of work in the Colts’ backfield.
While Taylor has not exactly gotten off to a great start, the Broncos feel like a team that would be able to rejuvenate the player and get him going on a good streak. That’s not something anybody wants to be a victim of, especially since both teams are still mathematically able to make the playoffs.
Over the first three weeks of the 2022 season, the Broncos have allowed the following amount of rushing yards:
- 76 against the Seahawks.
- 80 against the Texans.
- 88 against the 49ers.
Even though the team has not given up a 100-yard game on the ground so far, they have given up some rushing first downs at very inopportune times, and a rushing touchdown that officially seal the Raiders’ win.
Not having to face Taylor would be the best scenario for the Denver Broncos. Through three games, Taylor has 328 yards on 81 carries. The next closest is quarterback Matt Ryan with nine carries for 12 yards. Obviously, Taylor is the team’s workhorse, but it is a little bit surprising that someone like Nyheim Hines would not be the second-leading rusher on the team.
Hines does have 17 receptions for 113 yards, though.
Denver Broncos hire of Jerry Rosburg is very smart
The Denver Broncos have hired Jerry Rosburg to aid in in-game decision-making following two poorly-coordinated games to start the 2022 season.
This will be something to monitor as the short week goes by.