Broncos Week 8 Injury Report Raises a Discouraging Sign for Jaylen Waddle

Three starters miss practice

Denver’s first Week 8 injury report showed wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, safety Talanoa Hufanga and defensive end Zach Allen did not practice Wednesday. Waddle was listed with a chest injury, Hufanga with an ankle issue and Allen with a hip injury.

An earlier report said Waddle aggravated a previous chest problem near the end of the Broncos’ victory over the Arizona Cardinals. His availability for Sunday’s home matchup with Kansas City remains uncertain.

Payton regrets trick play

Waddle’s injury occurred during a trick play. Head coach and offensive playcaller Sean Payton later apologized for the reverse, saying, “It was awful. I’m sorry.” Payton also recalled a similar reverse from 2008 that ended in a fumble and a Tampa Bay victory over his team. He said he sometimes falls in love with a play.

Other Denver injury updates

Hufanga has missed the past two games with an ankle injury. The report says he needs at least limited practices Thursday and Friday to have a chance to play against the Chiefs.

Allen’s report describes his injury as a hamstring issue, while the Wednesday listing identifies his hip. The report says the injury appears unlikely to keep him out in Week 8. Garett Bolles and Marvin Mims were limited; Patrick Surtain II, Malcolm Roach and Karene Reid were full participants. Surtain appears set to return after missing three games, with his ankle described as presumably near full health.

Chiefs and receiving options

For Kansas City, L’Jarius Sneed did not practice because of a personal matter and knee issue, while Rashee Rice was limited with hamstring and knee concerns. Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce were full participants.

If Waddle is inactive, Denver’s primary wide receivers would be Courtland Sutton, Mims and Troy Franklin. Pat Bryant remains on short-term injured reserve with an ankle injury. Payton has said Mims remains a priority and praised his work as a receiver and returner. He said the team wants to find ways to give Mims more touches.