Attendance
Did not practice: Physically Unable to Perform List — S Delarrin Turner-Yell (knee) and LB Drew Sanders (Achilles). Injured reserve — OL Quinn Bailey (ankle/leg). Out — Brandon Jones (hamstring), Nik Bonitto (back), Ronnie Perkins (rest), Zach Allen (rest) and Justin Strnad (groin).
Broncos veteran cornerback Levi Wallace left practice after the first team period due to a hamstring injury, said head coach Sean Payton.
“We’ll know the significance of it (later),” Payton added.
QB Race Today
Denver’s sixth straight practice on Saturday focused heavily on teamwork from the midfield and in the red zone. Jarrett Stidham took No. 1 reps at the start of the team period before rookie Bo Nix ran with the first team for the majority of practice. Once again, Zach Wilson didn’t see first-team action, as he was with the third team.
Each quarterback had their moments. Nix, in particular, had another solid day. He made some impressive intermediate throws to Phillip Dorsett and David Sills. In the red zone, Nix escaped pressure before connecting with wide receiver Courtland Sutton for a touchdown.
Top Play
During the final team period, Wilson stepped into the pocket and threw a 30-plus yard pass over the middle to rookie wide receiver Troy Franklin. Another top play contender came from Stidham, who converted a fourth and 18 by finding second-year wideout Marvin Mims Jr. down the field for a completion.
Thumbs Up
Cody Barton applying pressure: In Cody Barton’s quest to be the Broncos’ starting inside linebacker, he put together an impressive performance on Saturday. There were multiple times when he applied pressure in the backfield, including a sack on Stidham near the goal line. Barton, who played for the Commanders last season, also broke up Stidham’s pass attempt to wide receiver Brandon Johnson.
Undrafted rookie makes some noise: Broncos rookie edge rusher Jaylon Allen caught some eyes on the practice field. He stuffed Franklin for a loss of yards on a jet sweep. On the following play, Allen sacked Wilson.
Thumbs Down
Rough day for Mike McGlinchey and offensive line: Broncos starting right tackle Mike McGlinchey got beat multiple times by edge rusher Jonathon Cooper, who sacked Nix and joined forces with inside linebacker Alex Singleton to stop running back Javonte Williams for a tackle for loss. As a whole, the Broncos’ offensive line struggled to maintain a clean pocket, allowing too many pressures.
Odds and Ends
• Denver’s defensive backs have been in attack mode at the line of scrimmage during camp. On Saturday, nickel cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian quickly stopped running back Samaje Perine, who caught a pass in the flat from Nix. Cornerback Reese Taylor stuffed Jaleel McLaughlin for a loss of yards after the running back caught a screen pass from Stidham. Taylor also blew up a run play while safety JL Skinner made a nice stop on Perine near the goal line.
“We’ve been encouraged with some of these other (defensive backs),” Payton said. “They’re gonna get plenty of reps when it comes time for (preseason) games.”
• Broncos rookie running back Audric Estime showed off his best Derrick Henry impression when he delivered a mean stiff-arm on edge rusher Thomas Incoom near the sideline. Estime pushed Incoom down to the ground before the two exchanged words. Estime has been impressive during camp and could become a fan favorite.
• Tight end Adam Trautman has been impressed with Dulcich, saying the former UCLA standout has looked fast and explosive after battling a hamstring and foot injury last season. “Credit to him, when he (was) fighting all his injuries, he was (at the training facility) until eight o’clock,” Trautman said. “He’s worked his tail off and I’m super proud of him.”
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