Broncos rookie running back Javonte Williams is set to make his first NFL start Sunday night at Kansas City after Melvin Gordon missed a third consecutive practice Friday.
Gordon, who sustained a hip injury early in last week’s win over the Los Angeles Chargers but returned to the game, is listed as doubtful to face the Chiefs. The other three times the Broncos have used the “doubtful” designation this year, the player was inactive.
In the Broncos’ division-of-labor tailback set up, Gordon has started all 11 games and has 135 carries for 605 yards and five touchdowns. Williams has 117 carries for 568 yards and two touchdowns.
Asked about his confidence level in leaning on Williams to take on a heavy workload, coach Vic Fangio simply said: “Really high.”
Minus Gordon, the Broncos would move Mike Boone (no carries in seven offensive snaps this year) up to No. 2 behind Williams.
Seven players are listed as questionable: Cornerback Nate Hairston (hip), left tackle Garett Bolles (ankle), left guard Dalton Risner (back), defensive end Shelby Harris (ankle), right guard Quinn Meinerz (ankle), right tackle Bobby Massie (ankle) and outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper (neck).
Bolles, who missed the Dallas and Philadelphia games in Weeks 9-10 with an ankle injury and the Chargers game after testing positive for COVID-19, is expected to start against the Chiefs. He practiced fully Friday.
“(Thursday) was his first day (back) and he had a good focus and (Friday), I think he looked good, too,” Fangio said. “I think he’s fine and he’ll be ready to play.”
Bolles said he feels “great” and his only virus symptoms were being a “little tired,” and having a “little congestion.”
“I’ve been running and lifting so I feel like my conditioning is good to go,” he said. “It was extremely difficult (to miss games). I pride myself on being available. I never want to miss a game, never want to miss a rep in practice.”
Darby’s best game. Cornerback Ronald Darby is still looking for his first interception since joining the Broncos, but Fangio is encouraged by his current form.
“I think he’s playing his best ball,” Fangio said. “I thought he played his best game (against the Chargers). I expect him to continue to improve.”
The Broncos’ most expensive free-agent signing in March (three years, $30 million), Darby sustained a hamstring injury in the Week 1 win over the New York Giants and missed four games.
In man coverage against the Chargers, Darby allowed one completion for eight yards in three targets and also drew an offensive pass interference penalty. He was called for a holding penalty.
“Darby’s process during the week has gotten better,” defensive backs coach Christian Parker said. “He had his best week of practice last week and I told him that (last) Saturday, ‘Look, you had your best week from a mental standpoint and technical standpoint.’
“He always practices hard and you don’t mind a couple of mistakes on Wednesday and Thursday because there is new stuff, but there were very few and he just felt very confident and he just had a good trust factor coming out of the bye week and it showed in the game.”
Chubb ready for more. Outside linebacker Bradley Chubb is expected to see regular duty after playing 30 snaps against the Chargers in his return from ankle surgery.
“A big part of it was getting the plays he got in the (Chargers) game,” Fangio said. “He felt more confident and comfortable and he cut it loose a little more in practice this week.”
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