ENGLEWOOD — Pat Surtain understands the Vance Joseph head coaching hype.

Joseph, in his third season as Broncos defensive coordinator, leads one of the best units in football ahead of Week 15 on Sunday against Green Bay. The Broncos rank first in sacks (55), third in total defense (282 yards/game) and fourth in scoring defense (18.1 points/game).

That success might translate to head coaching vacancy interest this offseason. In October, Joseph told The Denver Gazette’s Mark Kiszla: “God willing, I will be a head coach again.”

Surtain, following practice Wednesday at Broncos Park, endorsed that candidacy. The reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year explained the qualities that make Joseph ready for his second stint as an NFL head coach (previously in Denver from 2017-18).

“He’s a stand-up guy,” Surtain said. “He thinks about his player first. That’s what you look for in a coach. But he’s very smart-minded. He knows the ins-and-outs of the game. He’s been coaching in this league for a very long time. But he also has experience playing. … When he gets that call, he’s very deserving for that role.”

Joseph has an especially difficult test Sunday against one of the NFL’s top offenses.

Packers running back Josh Jacobs is closing in on a 1,000-yard rushing season. Quarterback Jordan Love has thrown seven touchdown passes over his last two starts. Six Green Bay players have at least 20 receptions.

“I feel like (the Packers) consistently make big-time catches down the field. That’s what they’re known for,” Surtain said. “Also, I just think the offense as a whole, it starts with the run game, and it builds into the pass. So, I think it’s going to be a great battle for us. A great competitive battle.”

Injury report

The Broncos designated left guard Ben Powers for return from injured reserve. He returned to practice Wednesday (limited) for the first time since he suffered a torn biceps muscle in Week 5 against the Eagles.

Wide receiver Pat Bryant did not practice Wednesday with a hamstring issue. Bryant suffered the injury last week in practice but played in Week 14 against the Raiders. He logged four catches for 32 yards in a 10th consecutive win for the Broncos.

Defensive tackle D.J. Jones was a full participant Wednesday after missing last week with an ankle injury. Tight end Nate Adkins (ankle) was limited in practice.

Mims’ touches

Marvin Mims earned AFC special teams player of the week honors Wednesday after a 48-yard punt return touchdown. His role might be expanding offensively, too.

“I would say he’s exceeded our expectation as to what type of guy he is, how he works, what kind of teammate he is,” coach Sean Payton said earlier this week. “Honestly, just coming out of a (Monday) staff meeting, we have to continue to find more touches for him on the offensive side of the ball, and we’ll do that.”

Mims has 25 catches for 247 yards and one touchdown reception over 11 games played this season. He also logged 10 runs for 67 yards and a TD. Mims will embrace any new touches that come his way.

“It’s always a thing someone wants to hear,” Mims said Wednesday regarding Payton’s comments. “At the end of the day, you’ve just got to take them as they come. Try to do the best with the opportunities that you’re given, and I feel like I’ve done a pretty good job of that here. … I just don’t want to sulk around and stuff, and then my opportunity does come, and I’m not ready for it — and end up costing the team.

“With punt return and kickoff return, I have my opportunities every now and then. With those, it’s helped me keep my head up and keep me into things.”

Briefly

The Colts signed QB Philip Rivers out of NFL retirement to their practice squad Tuesday and he might play for Indianapolis. On Wednesday, after practice at Broncos Park, quarterback Bo Nix called it “awesome.” Nix continued: “That’s a cool thing to see a legendary player like that sort of come back and make another run at it.” … Payton has lots of respect for Packers edge rusher Micah Parsons (12.5 sacks). Payton said: “He has a unique bend and balance for someone at that position. So, he’s a handful.”