The Broncos will be without one starting safety against the Carolina Panthers. It’s unclear whether they will be without the other.
Safety Brandon Jones was ruled out for Sunday’s game with a hamstring injury. His partner, Talanoa Hufanga, was listed as questionable with an ankle injury.
Hufanga was limited in practice on Friday. He was seen stretching and walking with no noticeable limp during the media’s viewing portion of practice. The safety was also a limited participant during Thursday’s practice after being absent on Wednesday.
The All-Pro safety has missed three games since he injured his ankle in the first half of the Broncos’ Week 5 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. He hadn’t practiced until this week, but he walked around Denver’s sideline with no visible hindrance during the team’s win over the Kansas City Chiefs last Sunday.
Hufanga’s return becomes more important with Jones out of the lineup. The Panthers are prone to try and attack teams down the field. Bryce Young has one of the top passer ratings in the NFL when throwing the ball more than 20 yards, so Denver could be in for a precarious matchup with two reserve safeties in the lineup. If Jones and Hufanga can’t play, Devon Key and Taylor Rapp will likely replace them.
Jones popped up on the injury report last week with a hamstring injury, although he ultimately played against the Chiefs. He appeared to re-aggravate it at the end of the first half, pulling up limping after a big Emmett Johnson catch. Jones did not return in the second half.
He’s one of three Denver defenders who will miss Sunday’s contest. Kris Abrams-Draine (ankle) and Eyioma Uwazurike (shoulder) were also ruled out for the matchup against Carolina.
Abrams-Draine has been a valuable depth piece for the Broncos, filling in for Pat Surtain II and Riley Moss due to injuries. He played extensively against the Seattle Seahawks and Arizona Cardinals, recording one interception and five passes defended.
Uwazurike is a part of a deep defensive tackle room. The fourth-year defensive lineman was on track for a career year, playing 304 snaps as a reserve defensive tackle. He’s recorded 16 pressures and seven run stops, according to Pro Football Focus.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Pat Bryant reacts after catching a touchdown pass against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Wide receiver Pat Bryant (ankle) will also play against the Panthers in his return game from injured reserve, Sean Payton said.
Bryant was the Broncos’ most productive wideout through the early stretch of the season. He recorded 40 or more receiving yards in three games this season, more than any other Broncos wideout this season.
His return comes at a welcome time, as the Panthers’ secondary could be down four cornerbacks this week.
Safety Taylor Rapp released
Denver released safety Taylor Rapp, per the wire, although he’s expected to be re-signed to the practice squad on Friday and then be elevated for Sunday’s game. Rapp has only one elevation left, so the Broncos will need to make a decision on his roster status after this week.
The Broncos needed a roster spot for when they activate Bryant.
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