ENGLEWOOD — Ask Luke Wattenberg to describe his biggest growth as the Denver Broncos starting center and his answer is clear.

“I feel like my pass protection game has gotten a lot better since minicamp,” Wattenberg told The Denver Gazette after practice Friday at Broncos Park. “I just feel like overall it’s the little things that I’ve gotten better at. … It’s the technique. I feel like I’m using my hands really well right now. Punching well.”

Check the tape.

ESPN analytics created a metric — pass-block win rate — that measures how often an offensive lineman sustains their block for at least 2.5 seconds. Wattenberg, entering Week 15 at home against the Colts, ranks second overall at 98% among NFL interior o-linemen.

The third-year pro won a starting center job out of training camp, missed four games due to injury (ankle), and returned strong for Denver’s postseason push. Wattenberg carries a quiet demeanor off the field. He flips a switch on game day.

“Being on the same page is the most important thing,” Wattenberg said.

CB Moss ruled out

Cornerback Riley Moss will miss a second game for the Broncos.

The starting cornerback did not practice this week and was ruled out against the Colts, per Denver’s final injury report on Friday. Moss suffered an MCL injury in Week 12 against the Raiders. He did not play in the Monday night win over Cleveland.

The Broncos will lean on secondary depth, like embattled cornerback Levi Wallace, against a Colts offense led by dynamic second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson.

The good news? Injured safety Brandon Jones (abdomen) was listed as a full participant Friday at practice after two days of being limited. Jones did not have an injury designation.

“We’ve got plenty of depth on the back end,” coach Sean Payton said. “We just have to understand who we’re playing and how we’re playing this game. I think we’ve made a pretty good point of that.”

WR youth movement

The Broncos opened training camp with the expectation that Tim Patrick and Josh Reynolds would play significant wide receiver roles in 2024.

Neither veteran is currently on the roster.

The decision to release Patrick in August, and then waive Reynolds last week, signals trust from Denver’s coaching staff in their young pass catchers behind undisputed No. 1 target Courtland Sutton. Rookie wide receivers Troy Franklin and Devaughn Vele have combined for 54 catches for 595 yards and three touchdowns.

“That’s also letting us know that we’re doing our part as well,” Vele told The Denver Gazette on Friday after practice at Broncos Park. “There’s a lot of trust on our plate with the expectations.”

Franklin added: “We have a really good relationship. We’re both rookies. We’re both coming in together. We want to help each other get to our potential. We’re definitely helping each other a lot.”

Briefly

Payton on Friday reacted to NFL legend Bill Belichick being named the head football coach at the University of North Carolina. Payton said: “I’m excited for him. I consider him a friend. Like everyone, I’m a little bit surprised. … I sent him a note. I think he truly loves coaching.” … RB Jaleel McLaughlin has 367 rushing yards, 47 receiving yards and three total touchdowns this season. Payton said: “He can handle more. I think he’s doing more in the passing game.” … Payton reacted to left tackle Garett Bolles signing a four-year contract extension. Payton said: “He’s someone who’s in incredible shape. I didn’t realize he was (32). … He does a great job at taking care of his body, and then besides that, the most important thing, is he’s one of the premiere pass blockers in our league. He stays in front of his guy.”