DT Malcolm Roach suffers calf sprain at practice, per source | Broncos notebook

ENGLEWOOD • The Broncos could be missing an important member of their defensive line for Week 1 against the Titans.

Defensive tackle Malcolm Roach suffered a Grade 2 calf strain at practice on Thursday, a source confirmed to The Denver Gazette. Roach left practice during the media viewing portion and did not return. He was listed as limited (calf) on the team’s injury report.

If Roach’s availability is in question against the Titans, it opens the door for reserves Jordan Jackson and Eyioma Uwazurike to earn more playing time on the interior defensive line.

Roach’s injury was first reported by 9News.

Greenlaw sits

Dre Greenlaw is trending in the wrong direction ahead of Sunday’s opener.

The projected starting inside linebacker did not participate Thursday in practice and worked out on the side field at Broncos Park. Greenlaw has now missed consecutive practices leading up to the game against the Titans. He is dealing with a quad issue, per the team’s league-mandated injury report.

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Greenlaw sat out all of spring drills while suffering from a separate type of quad injury while working out. He also did not play live-game snaps in the preseason. On Wednesday, coach Sean Payton declined to provide context on Greenlaw’s current quad injury.

Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph spoke with the media Thursday and discussed inside linebacker depth behind Greenlaw if he is unavailable on Sunday.

“Every guy on our roster, practice squad included, has to be ready to play,” Joseph said. “So, no worries there. Dre is working hard, and we’ll see what happens on Sunday. But we have guys who are capable.”

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Alex Singleton recovered from a training camp thumb injury and is expected to start against the Titans. If Greenlaw is unable to play, it is likely that inside linebacker Justin Strnad gets extra work. Strnad started eight games last season after Singleton suffered a torn ACL.

Also listed as not participating Thursday on the injury report was tight end Nate Adkins (ankle), who worked on the side field. He is not expected to play against the Titans. Outside linebacker Dondrea Tillman was listed as limited (hamstring). Full practice participants included Singleton (thumb), wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. (thigh) and outside linebacker Nik Bonitto (foot).

Dobbins trust

Broncos running back J.K. Dobbins has not addressed reporters after two practices this week with open locker access for media members. Dobbins signed with Denver in free agency and is expected to share the load of carries this season with rookie RJ Harvey.

But it is clear the coaching staff has trust in Dobbins as the regular season nears.

“He’s a pro with a lot of experience,” offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi said after practice on Thursday. “There’s really a complete back. … Knows who to block and is physically able to do so. Good runner (and) good receiver. I think all our guys that are going to be playing are of that mold.”


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