D.J. Jones Enters Concussion Protocol After Week 3 Win

Denver Broncos starting defensive lineman D.J. Jones has landed in concussion protocol after suffering a head injury during Sunday night's win over the San Francisco 49ers, head coach Nathaniel Hackett confirmed Monday.

"Besides that, we got out pretty clean," Hackett told reporters.

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The team's $30 million free-agent addition, Jones was shaken up amid the second half of Denver's 11-10 conquest of his former team. He was credited with a pass deflection, and also assisted against the run, prior to departing.

DJ Jones (97) revenge game

This is an unreal rep, he blows the center backwards immediately, then chases down the RB for the TFL. An amazing display of strength and speed. pic.twitter.com/hqg0TD1lQo
— Theo Ash (@TheoAshNFL) September 27, 2022

Jones has been a revelation for a stingy Broncos defense that allows only 81.3 rushing yards per game — tied for the sixth-fewest in the NFL — entering Week 4. The unit limited San Francisco to 88 ground yards and a cumulative 4.6 yards-per-carry average. Jones' replacement, reserve DT Mike Purcell, tallied five solo tackles, one tackle-for-loss, and a sack resulting in a safety.

"Run offenses are always looking to try to get you out of the gap. Those guys really stopped all those gaps," Hackett said Monday. "So I thought they did a really good job just playing together.”

Randy Gregory and Mike Purcell were physically dominant all game against the 49ers. On SF safety, their pressure was monumental. pic.twitter.com/1WEjZ8ibG5
— DB Film Study (@DBFilmStudy) September 27, 2022

Purcell likely would draw the start if Jones cannot gain medical clearance for 2-1 Denver's next contest, a road date with the 0-3 Las Vegas Raiders.

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