ENGLEWOOD — Quinn Meinerz is using his NFL platform to help put an end to gun violence.

The Broncos’ reigning All-Pro right guard is one of more than 40 people in the organization participating in the league’s “My Cause My Cleats” initiative to support various causes and non-profit organizations.

Meinerz partnered with Everytown for Gun Safety, a nonprofit that provides awareness, education, advocacy and legislative efforts with “evidence-based solutions” to help curb gun violence.

The words “end gun violence” will appear on his cleats Sunday night against the Commanders. The same words appeared on a shirt that Meinerz wore before and after a Week 11 game against the Chiefs at Empower Field.

Meinerz was prompted to join their efforts after the issue hit close to home. On Sept. 10, a 16-year-old student at Evergreen High School allegedly entered the school with a revolver, began shooting at classmates and took his own life. Two students recovered from critical gunshot wounds.

The Broncos later hosted the Evergreen football team at their team facility.

“There are just a ton of terrible things happening. Close to home. Evergreen,” Meinerz told The Denver Gazette on Friday. “All shootings are terrible. But when it’s happening in schools, affecting kids, and people are scared to go to school? It’s terrible. So, I’m just using my (platform) to spread some awareness about it.”

Adkins update

Tight end Nate Adkins has been ruled out for a fourth consecutive game with a knee injury.

Coach Sean Payton confirmed after practice on Friday at Broncos Park that the team has no plans to put Adkins on injured reserve.

“He was close we felt coming into this week,” Payton said. “I think next week is much more realistic.”

Payton added that signing veteran Marcedes Lewis from the practice squad to the 53-man roster is a possibility. Outside linebacker Jonah Elliss (hamstring) is questionable to play against Washington.

Prentice on Mora

Fullback Adam Prentice is in a group text message with former college teammates at Colorado State. His phone was buzzing with excitement earlier this week when his alma mater hired Jim Mora as the program’s next head football coach.

Mora, 64, helped resurrect UConn football before his arrival in Fort Collins. He was also a successful head coach at UCLA (2012-17) with previous coaching experience in the NFL, too.

“I think it’s great. I think it’s a huge hire. A guy that’s had a lot of success coming from UConn, and it’s been the last (two) years of nine-win seasons,” Prentice told The Denver Gazette on Friday. “He’s coming to CSU with increased resources and attraction for recruits with the NIL aspect of it. Having success in the league, the head coaching experience … you could go on and on. I think it’s awesome. I’m really looking forward to it, and I’ll hopefully get to meet him at some point in the offseason.”

Prentice is on pace for career-best NFL production while filling in for Adkins with elite versatility. Prentice has earned first downs on three of his four rushing attempts. He’s logged three catches for 31 yards. Prentice has also shown up big in pass protection — like a pancake block in Week 11 against the Chiefs.

“It’s been a lot of fun,” Prentice said.

Briefly

The Broncos (9-2) are 5.5-point road favorites over the Commanders (3-8), according to FanDuel. … Commanders starting quarterback Jayden Daniels (left elbow) has been ruled out against the Broncos. Washington will also be without wide receiver Noah Brown (groin/knee) and defensive end Drake Jackson (knee). Commanders’ star wide receiver Terry McLaurin will play after missing six of the previous seven games with a quad injury. Marcus Mariota will be the starting quarterback against Denver. … There is a possibility of rain before kickoff Sunday and during the first half. But it is expected to dry up as the game is played, according to a report from 9NEWS senior meteorologist Chris Bianchi.