Attendance
Did not practice: Physically Unable to Perform List — S Delarrin Turner-Yell (knee) and LB Drew Sanders (Achilles). Injured reserve — OL Quinn Bailey (ankle/leg). Out — S Brandon Jones (hamstring) and CB Levi Wallace (hamstring).
Third-year edge rusher Nik Bonitto (back) was a limited participant during Thursday’s practice. He stretched and was involved in walkthroughs but watched the team period from the sideline.
QB Race Today
With the Broncos getting closer to Sunday’s preseason opener in Indianapolis, Jarrett Stidham took snaps with the first team. Rookie Bo Nix was the second-string quarterback, while Zach Wilson had third-team reps.
Each quarterback had their moment in the spotlight. Stidham threw four touchdown passes during 11-on-11 in the red zone. Nix completed a touchdown pass to running back Blake Watson, who took advantage of busted coverage and got wide-open down the sideline. Wilson had one of his best performances during 7-on-7, completing three touchdown passes.
Top Play
Vele keeps producing: There’s no question that Devaughn Vele had the best play through 12 training camp practices. During the team period in the red zone, Stidham lofted a pass to the corner of the end zone, where the rookie wideout made a one-handed catch despite solid coverage from safety P.J. Locke. Vele was mobbed by his teammates as Locke walked away in disbelief.
Vele has been one of the top players during camp. And his catch served as another indicator that it might be hard to keep him off the field.
“The ball is finding (Vele), and he’s finding a way to come down with it,” Broncos wide receivers coach Keary Colbert said.
Thumbs Up
Baron Browning wreaks havoc: Broncos outside linebacker Baron Browning couldn’t be denied. Browning had multiple sacks, showing explosion coming off the edge. He also had a tackle for loss.
“Baron is a really good player for us,” Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph said. “Obviously being a 3-4 defense, having outside backers is important. He can rush the passer. He’s a physical edge guy in the run game. So having him healthy is key for us.”
Thumbs Down
Peart’s shaky camp continues: Denver offensive tackle Matt Peart has had an issue providing consistent protection during camp. That narrative continued on Thursday when he allowed rookie edge rusher Jonah Elliss to get past him and sack Nix.
Odds and Ends
• Vance Joseph said rookie cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine has been a more confident player compared to the spring. Joseph said Abrams-Draine’s performance during the offseason program was “choppy” but has improved since. During practice, Abrams-Draine broke up a Bo Nix pass to Devaughn Vele in the end zone.
• Outside linebackers coach Michael Wilhoite has been impressed with Jonah Elliss, a third-round selection from Utah, and said the young edge rusher has “high potential.”
“He shows up every day looking to be challenged,” Wilhoite said. “He’s looking for ways to get better at all times. And he has the pedigree and the instincts that you want out of a young player. I think the sky’s the limit for him.”
• The return of tight end Greg Dulcich has been one of the highlights of camp. Each day, Dulcich has shown he can be a reliable target after battling hamstring injuries over the last two years. Now, it’s time to see how he looks during preseason games.
“When (Dulcich) is on the move, it’s hard for people to cover him,” offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi said. “There’s a number of plays where he’s just running away from defenders. (He’s) a very explosive player (and) we’re excited about his health.”
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