KJ Hamler knows it’s been a quiet start to the season for him, but he’s ready to make some noise Sunday against San Francisco.
The Broncos’ wideout, who was targeted once in Week 1 and was inactive in Week 2, is trending toward playing Week 3 at Empower Field. Hamler has been limited in practice this week, both due to the team’s ongoing caution in his return from last year’s serious knee/hip injuries, and also a groin injury.
But Hamler said Thursday he feels “excellent” and vowed to bring “big plays and explosiveness” upon his return.
“I’ve been doing good, progressing (from the groin injury), coming here every day ready to work and going into treatment every day ready to work,” Hamler said. “It’s positive thoughts, positive mindset for me… I know I can still stretch the defense even with the knee brace. I can be the speed demon that they need to open stuff up.”
Hamler has 35 catches for 455 yards and three touchdowns in his career, including a game-winning TD catch as time expired to beat the Chargers in a comeback win at home in 2020.
Jewell update. Inside linebacker Josey Jewell, who missed the first two games because of a calf injury, is also trending toward playing Sunday despite being limited in practice this week. He will again wear the “green dot” as the defensive play-relayer alongside fellow starting inside linebacker Jonas Griffith.
“I believe I could’ve played last week, too, but we were just being cautious with it because it’s early in the season,” Jewell said. “To have that little hiccup kind of made me upset, especially after missing most of last year (with a torn pectoral), but you’ve just got to roll with the punches and go with it. I’m back out there this week and I’m going to do the best that I can.”
Sidelined. Wideout Jerry Jeudy (ribs) and special teamer Darius Phillips (hamstring) did not practice Thursday. Wideout Tyrie Cleveland (hamstring), outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper (hamstring), defensive end Dre’Mont Jones (neck), guard Quinn Meinerz (hamstring), nose tackle Mike Purcell (elbow), cornerback Pat Surtain II (shoulder) and right tackle Billy Turner (knee) were limited.
For the 49ers, All-Pro tight end George Kittle, who has yet to play in 2022 due to a groin injury, was limited. Defensive end Arik Armstead (foot) did not practice for a second straight day.
