Attendance
Did not practice: Physically Unable to Perform list — OLB Baron Browning (knee). Non-Football Injury list — DL Mike Purcell (knee).
Rookie cornerback Riley Moss missed his second straight day of practice, while outside linebacker Frank Clark was in uniform on Tuesday but did not participate in practice. Head coach Sean Payton did not provide an update on Moss’ recent absence or why Clark was not in pads.
New injuries
Inside linebacker Jonas Griffith and right guard Quinn Meinerz left practice early. During the special teams portion of practice, Griffith was helped to the sideline by trainers before walking toward the team building on his own power. Meinerz exited near the end of practice, but Payton said he was “fine.”
Top Play
Wide receiver Montrell Washington picked the right time to showcase his value. During the 11-on-11 period, backup quarterback Ben DiNucci rolled to the right off play-action before launching the ball down the field to Washington, who sped past the defense and made a touchdown catch.
As a rookie last season, Washington’s receiving numbers were underwhelming. He totaled four receptions for two yards on nine targets, as his primary role was returner. But with KJ Hamler waived and Tim Patrick out for the season, Washington has a chance to carve out a role in Denver’s wide receivers room.
Thumbs Up
Broncos apply pressure: While the secondary continued to be the best position group on the field, Denver made some noise in the pass rush. Outside linebacker Nik Bonitto made a nice spin move to get in the backfield and create pressure. Rookie linebackers Drew Sanders and Thomas Incoom collapsed the pocket, forcing quarterback Jarrett Stidham to throw an incomplete pass.
Thumbs Down
Wilson struggles: A quiet day for the offense was highlighted by quarterback Russell Wilson’s play under center. In the 11-on-11 period, Wilson tried to find wide receiver Courtland Sutton down the middle, but safety Justin Simmons jumped in front of the throw for an interception. Wilson has thrown three interceptions so far during training camp, including two to Simmons on back-to-back days.
Later during the team period, Wilson’s pass was batted down by defensive end Zach Allen before his throw soared over tight end Albert Okwuegbunam for an incompletion.
Wilson bounced back near the end of practice, including a deep completion to Sutton, who made the catch over Simmons and cornerback Pat Surtain II.
Odds and Ends
• Kicker Brett Maher had the upper hand on Elliott Fry on Tuesday, going 5-for-5 on field goal attempts. Fry went 4-for-5, with his attempt from the 40-yard line sailing to the right.
• Denver did one-on-one drills for the first time at training camp. Second-year cornerback Damarri Mathis applied tight coverage on wide receivers Courtland Sutton and Nick Williams, forcing incomplete passes. But when going up against Jerry Jeudy, Mathis looked lost as Denver’s top wide receiver ran a beautiful route before making a catch.
Cornerback Faion Hicks, a seventh-round pick in 2022, was constantly in receivers’ faces during one-on-ones, giving them a hard time throughout the drill.
• Sean Payton said the team focused on third-down installations during the first two days of padded practice. He expects the Broncos to start doing red zone work on Wednesday.
• Payton called Zach Allen a high-energy player. He mentioned that Allen is smart and does a good job fitting the gaps.
“He’s a good technician,” Payton said. “We’re pleased with what we’ve seen.”
Wednesday’s schedule
The Broncos are back on the field for open practice No. 5 at 10 a.m. The parking lot opens at 8 a.m., gates open at 9 a.m., and fans will need a ticket to enter.
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