Singleton and Jones DNP for the Denver Broncos

As the Denver Broncos fight to maintain their AFC West lead and extend their best start in years, a recent practice update has raised concerns: two defensive pillars—linebacker Alex Singleton and defensive tackle DJ Jones—were listed as Did Not Practice (DNP) ahead of their Week 11 matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders. Singleton and Jones DNP for the Denver Broncos isn’t just a routine injury report note; it’s a potential threat to the Broncos’ defensive dominance, which has been the backbone of their 8-2 record. Singleton, the team’s green dot defender and leading tackler, and Jones, a run-stopping force in the trenches, have combined for 103 tackles, 7 sacks, and 4 forced fumbles this season. Their absence from practice signals either injury recovery or precautionary rest, but either way, it forces the Broncos to adjust their defensive game plan and test the depth of their roster—a critical challenge as they enter the final stretch of the regular season.

Singleton and Jones DNP for the Denver Broncos begins with clarifying the context of their DNPs, including injury details and the Broncos’ typical approach to practice management. According to the team’s injury report, Singleton is dealing with a mild calf strain, sustained during the fourth quarter of the Broncos’ Week 10 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. Jones, meanwhile, is listed as “resting” a nagging knee issue that he’s managed since Week 6. Broncos head coach Sean Payton emphasized that the DNPs are precautionary, not indicators of serious injuries. “We’re in a long season, and we have to be smart with our key players,” Payton said in a press conference. “Alex’s calf is sore, but scans showed no significant damage. DJ’s knee is fine—we’re just giving him a day to recover so he’s fresh for Sunday.” For the Broncos, this approach aligns with their 2024 strategy: prioritizing long-term health over practice reps, especially for veterans who have logged heavy snaps (Singleton and Jones rank 1st and 3rd, respectively, in defensive snaps played for Denver this season). Still, the DNP labels have sparked conversation about how their potential absence—even partial—could alter the defense’s performance.

Singleton and Jones DNP for the Denver Broncos next examines the immediate defensive adjustments the Broncos must make if either player misses game action. Singleton’s role as the green dot defender is irreplaceable in terms of on-field communication; if he’s sidelined, the Broncos will likely turn to backup linebacker Drew Sanders to relay playcalls. Sanders, a 2023 third-round pick, has played 25% of defensive snaps this season, primarily on special teams, but he’s spent weeks shadowing Singleton in practice to prepare for this scenario. “Drew knows the playbook inside out—he’s been in every meeting, every film session with Alex,” defensive coordinator Vance Joseph said. “He can handle the green dot, but it’s a different challenge in a live game.” For Jones’ position, the Broncos would lean on backup defensive tackle Elijah Garcia, a rookie who has shown promise in limited action (15 tackles, 1 sack this season). Garcia’s strength lies in pass rushing, not run stopping—meaning the Broncos might shift to a 4-3 defense to compensate, adding an extra defensive end to shore up the run. These adjustments aren’t seamless, though; Singleton’s ability to read offenses and Jones’ ability to clog running lanes have been integral to the Broncos’ top-3 defense, so even temporary replacements will require the rest of the unit to step up.

Singleton and Jones DNP for the Denver Broncos highlights the impact of their potential absence on the upcoming Raiders matchup, a divisional game that could solidify the Broncos’ hold on the AFC West. The Raiders’ offense relies heavily on running back Josh Jacobs, who has rushed for 780 yards and 5 touchdowns this season, and quarterback Aidan O’Connell, who excels at short, quick passes to exploit gaps in zone coverage. With Jones sidelined, the Broncos’ run defense—ranked 4th in the NFL (allowing 98.2 yards per game)—could struggle to contain Jacobs, forcing safeties to creep closer to the line of scrimmage. Without Singleton’s leadership, the secondary might miscommunicate on zone coverage, giving O’Connell easy targets over the middle. The Denver Broncos’ coaching staff has already adjusted practice drills to simulate this scenario: in Wednesday’s walkthrough, Sanders led the defense through Raiders-specific formations, while Garcia practiced against the first-team offensive line to mimic Jacobs’ running style. Payton has also emphasized the need for other defensive stars—like cornerback Pat Surtain II and safety Justin Simmons—to take on bigger roles. “When two key players are out, everyone else has to raise their level,” Payton said. “Pat needs to shut down his side of the field, and Justin needs to be more vocal in the secondary. That’s how we’ll overcome this.”

Singleton and Jones DNP for the Denver Broncos explores the Broncos’ depth at linebacker and defensive tackle, a factor that will determine how well they weather the DNPs. The Broncos’ 2024 offseason moves were designed to build depth in case of injuries: they signed veteran linebacker Josey Jewell to a two-year deal, and drafted Garcia in the fifth round to back up Jones. Jewell, who has 32 tackles this season, can play both middle and outside linebacker, providing flexibility if Singleton misses time. Garcia, meanwhile, has been mentored by Jones all season, with Jones staying late after practice to teach him techniques for stopping the run. “DJ’s been like a big brother to me,” Garcia said in an interview. “He’s shown me how to read offensive linemen’s hips, how to push the pile—little things that make a big difference. I’m ready to step up if he needs me to.” The Denver Broncos’ front office also prioritized special teams contributors who can double as defensive backups, ensuring that even players with limited defensive snaps are familiar with the playbook. This depth was tested earlier in the season when backup linebacker Baron Browning filled in for Singleton during a practice, and the defense didn’t miss a beat—something the team hopes to replicate if the DNPs turn into game-day inactives.

Singleton and Jones DNP for the Denver Broncos concludes with the Broncos’ long-term injury management strategy and how it ties to their playoff goals. The Broncos’ decision to rest or limit Singleton and Jones now is part of a larger plan to keep them healthy for the playoffs, where every snap matters more. Payton has a history of this approach: during his time with the New Orleans Saints, he often rested key players in late-season practices to avoid injuries before the postseason. For the Denver Broncos, this strategy is especially important because Singleton and Jones are irreplaceable in high-pressure playoff scenarios—Singleton’s ability to make late-game adjustments and Jones’ ability to stop short-yardage runs could be the difference between a win and a loss in a close playoff game. While the immediate concern is the Raiders matchup, the Broncos are also looking ahead to rematches with the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers, where full health will be essential. “We’re playing for something bigger than just Week 11,” Payton said. “We want to be peaking in January, and that means taking care of our players now.” Singleton and Jones DNP for the Denver Broncos is, at its core, a story of balance: the Broncos must win now to stay atop the division, but they also must protect their key players to compete for a Super Bowl. How they navigate this balance in the coming weeks will define their 2024 season.