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Brandon Jones #22 of the Denver Broncos focuses before facing the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Denver Broncos’ latest hurdle comes in a familiar form amid a season that finds them boasting the best record in the NFL ahead of “Monday Night Football” in Week 15. Broncos safety Brandon Jones suffered an injury against the Green Bay Packers.
Jones is in his second season with the Broncos.
A former starter for the Miami Dolphins, Jones is integral to the Broncos’ highly touted defense, making his murky future a significant source of intrigue.
Brandon Jones Injury Update Ominous for Broncos
GettyBrandon Jones #22 of the Denver Broncos with teammates before facing the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Wild Card Game.
“#Broncos standout S Brandon Jones is believed to have suffered a pec injury and is having an MRI, source says,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on X on December 15. “One of Denver’s most underrated players, Jones has emerged as key part of that defense with 78 tackles.”
Jones exited the Broncos’ eventual win over the Packers in the second quarter after making a tackle on tight end Luke Musgrave. He was ruled out for the contest early in the third quarter.
The Broncos later announced they placed Jones on injured reserve.
“It’s the next man up mentality,” Jones’ replacement, P.J. Locke, said, per The Denver Post’s Parker Gabriel. “It’s a tough situation and I really pray it’s not as bad as what it sounds like. Hopefully he gets some good news in the morning when he gets his MRI.
“He’s an awesome player, man. It’s hard to replace him.”
Broncos head coach Sean Payton did not address the injury during his day-after press conference, but noted he was pleased with Locke, who started opposite Jones last season.
Jones was the No. 70 overall pick of the 2020 draft by the Dolphins. After four seasons in South Beach, Jones signed a three-year, $20 million contract with the Broncos in free agency. He started 16 games last season and has only logged one full regular-season slate in his career.
Broncos Awaiting News on Justin Strnad
GettyJustin Strnad #40 of the Denver Broncos reacts against the New York Jets.
Jones is not the only key injury the Broncos are awaiting news on, with linebacker Justin Strnad also getting banged up.
Strnad was protecting on a field goal attempt by Wil Lutz, when he got leg-whipped by teammate Mitchell Fraboni as Packers defensive lineman Colby Wooden slung the latter by his helmet on the play.
Strnad has shifted momentum in the Broncos’ favor during games with splash plays.
He has started seven games this season, and played in all 14 for the 12-2 Broncos, filling in for Alex Singleton and Dre Greenlaw at different points of the campaign.
Pat Surtain II Injury Could Prove Informative for Broncos
GettyPat Surtain II #2 of the Denver Broncos runs back an interception against the Green Bay Packers.
The Broncos may have experienced an issue similar to Jones’ already this season. Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II suffered a pec injury in Week 8 against the Dallas Cowboys. He missed the next three games.
Surtain’s absence spanned four weeks, though.
If Jones’ injury is of a similar nature and/or severity, that would sideline him heading into the postseason. That time would also include Jones missing the Wild Card Round.
Having Locke to step in for Jones alongside the former’s replacement, Talanoa Hufanga, has been a luxury for the Broncos this season. With Jones’ future murky at best, Locke’s presence is critical for Denver’s continued success.
Josh Buckhalter covers the NBA and NFL for Heavy.com. He has covered both leagues since 2016, including bylines at FanSided, Last Word on Sports and Clocker Sports. He’s based in Villa Park, Illinois. Follow Josh on Twitter and Instagram: @JoshGBuck More about Josh Buckhalter
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