ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Yes, that was Broncos tight end Albert Okwuegbunam playing early in the fourth quarter of Saturday’s 42-15 preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Okwuegbunam was one of three potential Week 1 offensive starters to play. He was joined by right guard Quinn Meinerz and right tackle Calvin Anderson and caught a four-yard pass on the opening drive.
“I don’t really pay attention to when (in the game) I’m playing and not playing,” Okwuegbunam told The Denver Post. ‘It’s out of my control and not my decision. I’m going to go out there and compete whenever my name is called.”
So playing that deep into a preseason game wasn’t disappointing?
“No, I don’t pay mind to it in a negative light,” he said. “Whenever my name is called, I’m eager to get out there and compete.”
How did coach Nathaniel Hackett rationalize playing Okwuegbunam so late in a game that doesn’t count and only bad things can happen?
“Our tight ends are playing really well, the five guys we have playing, so we want to get a good look at all of them,” Hackett said. “There are guys who played a little more football than others. Albert is a guy who needs the reps. … I’m excited to see the film and see where (the tight ends) are at.”
Okwuegbunam tore his ACL in November 2020, but played 14 of 17 games last year. Noah Fant, who led the Broncos in catches (68) last year, was traded to Seattle in the Russell Wilson deal, essentially moving Okwuegbunam atop the depth chart.
“I feel like I’ve had a good camp,” he said. “Obviously, it’s impossible to have a perfect camp. I definitely have some things to improve.”
In-game injuries. Outside linebacker Malik Reed (eye), cornerback Michael Ojemudia (elbow) and guard/center Casey Tucker (foot) were injured in the game.
Reed was accidently poked in the eye by Bills right tackle Spencer Brown.
“Vision is good,” Reed said. “It was throbbing for a while when I was on the ground and sitting down in the (medical) tent. But after that, I was good.”
Ojemudia sustained a dislocated right elbow when making a first-half tackle. He said trainers were able to put the elbow back in place and he hasn’t been provided with a timetable to return. Last week, inside linebacker Jonas Griffith was provided a return-to-play of 4-6 weeks with his dislocated elbow.
Punter Sam Martin sustained an ankle injury in pre-game warm-ups. Corliss Waitman averaged 42 yards net on two attempts.
Working their way back. Tight end Greg Dulcich (hamstring), receiver KJ Hamler (knee), outside linebacker Randy Gregory (shoulder) and right tackle Billy Turner (knee) could be more active this week in practice.
Asked if Dulcich and Hamler could return to team work this week, Hackett said: “I hope so. Again, we want to do it the right way. We don’t want anymore setbacks.”
Gregory and Turner were activated from the physically unable to perform list last Monday and started out doing individual drills, but Turner was excused from practice Wednesday and Thursday.
Hackett said Gregory had a “really good week. He’s chomping on the bit. He wants to be out there so bad and it’s hard to tell that guy that he’s not allowed to (practice).”
Hackett expects Turner to be back at the facility this week.
“Hopefully he’s going to be right there in practice,” Hackett said. “We’re still aiming for Week 1.”
Briefly. Former Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller was a Bills captain, but did not play (coach’s decision). … The Broncos must cut down their roster from 85 to 80 by 2 p.m. Tuesday. Offensive lineman Tom Compton (back) is on the physically unable to perform list. Starting this week, he will not count toward the roster limit.
