Eight Broncos players miss Christmas night win over Chiefs
The Denver Broncos’ 20–13 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday night came despite a notable list of absentees, with eight players not featuring in the Week 17 clash at Arrowhead Stadium.
Denver continued their impressive season, improving to 13–3, even while navigating injuries and rotation decisions as they close in on the playoffs and a potential AFC No. 1 seed.
Injuries and Inactives for Denver
Several Broncos were ruled out due to injury, while others were inactive by coaching decision.
Linebacker Dre Greenlaw missed the game with a hamstring issue, while tight end Nate Adkins was sidelined with a knee injury. Wide receiver Pat Bryant remained unavailable after entering concussion protocol.
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Denver were also without outside linebacker Que Robinson, offensive tackle Geron Christian, defensive end Jordan Jackson, and defensive lineman Sai’vion Jones, all of whom were inactive for Thursday’s contest.
Although quarterback Jarrett Stidham was active, he did not see the field as Bo Nix played every offensive snap, continuing his run as Denver’s unquestioned starter.
Next Man Up Mentality Pays Off
Despite the absences, the Broncos adjusted effectively.
Justin Strnad stepped into Greenlaw’s role at linebacker and delivered a solid performance, helping anchor a defense that limited Kansas City to just 13 points.
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At wide receiver, Michael Bandy was elevated from the practice squad to the game-day roster to provide depth with Bryant unavailable. Denver’s ability to absorb injuries and still execute has been a recurring theme this season, particularly during their run of close victories.
Looking ahead to Week 18
With Week 17 complete, the Broncos now await confirmation of their Week 18 schedule, which the NFL is expected to finalize in the coming days.
Denver will host the Los Angeles Chargers (11–4) to close out the regular season, with kickoff slated for either Saturday, January 3, or Sunday, January 4. An official announcement is expected by Monday.
The matchup carries major implications, as a Broncos win would secure the AFC’s top seed and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
Broncos Players who did not play vs. Chiefs
- LB Dre Greenlaw (hamstring)
- TE Nate Adkins (knee)
- WR Pat Bryant (concussion)
- OLB Que Robinson
- OT Geron Christian
- DE Jordan Jackson
- DL Sai’vion Jones
- QB Jarrett Stidham (active, did not play)
With the postseason looming and momentum firmly on their side, Denver will be hoping for improved health as they prepare for a defining Week 18 showdown against a Chargers side fighting for playoff positioning.
SportsLigue