The Broncos’ sacks leader after two games might surprise you. 

Inside linebacker Justin Strnad — thrust back into a starting role, again, with injured teammate Dre Greenlaw (quad) ruled out a third consecutive game — is the only Broncos player with consecutive sacks in the early season. 

In Week 1, he chased down Titans quarterback Cam Ward as he tried to escape the pocket. In Week 2, he blitzed up the middle and quickly sacked Colts quarterback Daniel Jones. 

“Honestly, right now, it doesn’t mean a whole lot. I just want to win games,” Strand told The Denver Gazette when asked about being Denver’s sacks leader entering Sunday against the Chargers. “Obviously, last week, we didn’t get that done. So, that was unfortunate. … Sacks always help the team win. Would love to get as many as I can. But the wins are much more important.” 

Strnad started eight games last season when starter Alex Singleton went down with a torn ACL. He said that “experience helps” and “any time you get snaps in this league, it’s going to help you down the road.” His current focus is bouncing back from that 29-28 road loss to the Colts.  

Strnad was targeted in coverage twice by Jones, and according to Next Gen Stats, the inside linebacker gave up 29 yards. Strnad explained a key focus to help limit those kinds of explosive plays facing Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert.  

“I think communication is the biggest part in all of defense in this league,” Strand said after practice Friday at Broncos Park. “Especially when you’re playing so much match or pass-off coverage. You’ve got to be able to communicate so that, when things do happen, you’re passing things off and you’re able to stay on them.” 

Strnad was a full participant Friday after missing Wednesday practice with a foot injury. He was limited on Wednesday but is now on track to play Sunday with no injury designation against the Chargers. 

“I think the experience from a year ago certainly has helped (Strnad),” coach Sean Payton said. “He’s smart. I think that he’s a guy that can play in coverage, and it’s good to see him with the production rushing the passer.” 

Greenlaw, Engram ruled out  

Broncos linebacker Dre Greenlaw and tight end Evan Engram both sat out practice Friday, and neither will play Sunday at the Los Angeles Chargers. 

Greenlaw, who has a quadriceps injury, and Engram, who has a back injury, both worked on a side field at Broncos Park. The Broncos then officially ruled them out after practice. 

“I think the back became a factor (for Engram) during the game last week,” Payton said. 

Greenlaw, who was hurt July 31 and hasn’t played or had a full practice since the regular season began, is in line to miss his third straight game. Broncos coach Sean Payton said Engram, who didn’t practice all week, was hurt in last Sunday’s 29-28 loss at Indianapolis. 

All other players on Denver’s 53-man roster were full participants in practice Friday and no other players had an injury designation for Sunday’s game. That includes tight end Nate Adkins, expected to make his season debut after missing the first two games following ankle surgery in August. 

Briefly 

Wide receiver Courtland Sutton finished the loss in Indianapolis with four targets and just one reception for 6 yards. Payton acknowledged there are more ways to get Sutton involved in the passing game. He said: “I think it’s important in the third down (situations). I think it’s important in the red zone, and then, throughout the gameplan. Yes, there are a number of things.” … Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey is off their injury report after missing practice Wednesday (biceps). Two chargers are questionable: linebacker Daiyan Henley (illness) is questionable and cornerback Cam Hart (hip). Defensive back Elijah Molden (hamstring) and tight end Will Dissly (knee) are both out against the Broncos. 

The Denver Gazette’s Broncos reporter Chris Tomasson contributed to this report.