Broncos Update RB Latavius Murray's Status for Rams Matchup
The Denver Broncos can't enjoy Christmas Day as the executives, coaches, personnel, and players might like to this year, as there's business to be conducted. The Broncos travel to take on the Los Angeles Rams in a throwdown between two 4-10 teams.
On Friday, both teams unveiled their final injury report for Week 16's action. Here's what's up.
Broncos
Out
- WR Kendall Hinton | Hamstring
Questionable
- OT Calvin Anderson | Ankle
- OLB Randy Gregory | Knee
- RB Latavius Murray | Foot
- OL Dalton Risner | Shoulder/Back/Foot
- CB K'Waun Williams | Wrist/knee
- WR Courtland Sutton | Hamstring
Full Go
- LS Jacob Bobenmoyer | Wrist
- S Kareem Jackson | NIR
Analysis: You may have noticed that quarterback Russell Wilson isn't even mentioned on the injury report because he cleared concussion protocol early this week. He'll start on Sunday.
Keep an eye on two offensive players: Murray and Sutton. The former breathed life into the Broncos' offense last week, rushing for 130 yards and a touchdown in victory, while the latter has missed the past two games with that hamstring.
Meanwhile, Jerry Jeudy has thrived at the X position in Sutton's absence. If Sutton plays, it'll be interesting to see whether the Broncos' coaches return him to the X, or move him to the Z, and let Jeudy continue doing his thing.
At the X spot over the past two weeks, Jeudy has totaled 15 receptions for 149 yards and three touchdowns, so... production talks and you-know-what walks.
The Gregory situation is concerning. He'll be a game-time decision. In the wake of Gregory's return from a nine-week stretch on injured reserve last week, head coach Nathaniel Hackett addressed it on Friday.
“We are just going to play it safe," Hackett said. "We want to be sure that we take care of him. He was sore after the game, and it’s been a while since he played. He’s done a great job in the meetings and done a great job getting his knee right and his mind right. We’re excited and we hope he’s going to be able to get out there, but that will be more of a game-time decision.”
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Rams
Out
- OC Brian Allen | Calf
- DT Marquise Copeland | Ankle
- DT Aaron Donald | Ankle
- LB Jake Gervase | Ankle
- LB Travin Howard | Hip
- Ben Skowronek | Calf
- QB John Wolford | Neck
Full Go
- DB David Long, Jr. | Groin
Analysis: The Rams' injury woes are the only in the NFL to rival the Broncos' depredations. As you can see, L.A. is b-b-b-banged up.
The key absence this week will be, of course, Donald, the Rams' All-Pro defensive tackle. L.A.'s defense is horrendous this season, but its saving grace is against the run.
Without Donald, the Broncos will have a great opportunity to establish dominance on the ground, especially if Murray plays. If Murray doesn't suit up, the Broncos will attack L.A.'s depleted front seven with Marlon Mack and Devine Ozibgo, the latter of whom is expected to be elevated from the practice squad on gameday. Either Ozigbo, or Tyreik McAllister.
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