Perhaps the Broncos on Sunday will dust off defensive lineman Jordan Jackson.

Jackson, the former Air Force star, hasn’t played since Denver’s 21-17 win at Philadelphia on Oct. 5. But with defensive tackle D.J. Jones out against Las Vegas at Allegiant Stadium due to an ankle injury, the Broncos likely will activate a sparingly used lineman for the game. There’s Jackson, who has been inactive for each of the past seven games, and rookie Sai’vion Jones, who has been active just once all season.

After spending 2022 as a rookie on New Orleans’ practice squad and 2023 on Denver’s practice squad, Jackson played in all 17 games for the Broncos last season and had some key moments. But after it looked as if Jackson was developing into being a regular NFL contributor, his playing time has been significantly cut this season primarily due to third-year pro Eyioma Uwazurike taking a big step.

Jackson was active for four of the first five games when Malcolm Roach was on injured reserve with a calf injury. But he hasn’t set foot on the playing field since Roach, who is expected to replace Jones in the starting lineup Sunday, returned Oct. 12 against the New York Jets in London.

“Of course, everybody wants to play,’’ Jackson said. “But once you’ve been on ‘P-squad’ for a few years, being inactive for a few games is still a lot better than being on ‘P-Squad’ for two years. So I can’t complain about that. I just got to continue to grow. We’re winning as a team right now, so I can’t complain about me not getting reps when you’re 10-2 and fighting for a No. 1 seed (in the AFC).”

Jackson said he’s a better player than last season, but it’s a matter of Denver’s depth on the defensive line. The starters have been D.J. Jones, Zach Allen and John Franklin-Myers with Roach and Uwazurike as top reserves. Uwazurike, after being suspended by the NFL for the 2023 season due to violating sports gambling rules, was active for just four games in 2024, but this year has moved ahead of Jackson.

The Broncos this season also added Sai’vion Jones. He was active ahead of Jackson in Week 4 against Cincinnati when Roach was out.

“When you have a room like that, it’s going to be kind of hard for everybody to be (active),’’ Jackson said. “So it’s just understanding your role and trying to be better each and every day. … I’m definitely a better player than I was last year, just from experience, playing a whole season, having another training (camp).’’

Broncos coach Sean Payton didn’t have much to say when asked Friday about Jackson other than, “He’s been doing well.”

During practices, Jackson works regularly on the scout team. Sai’vion Jones said Jackson, a sixth-round pick by the Saints in 2022, offers him tips for both on and off the field.

“One of the first things he told me was with rookie duties what to expect with it just my first time going through everything,’’ said the rookie. “So he just kind of guided me through it. He told me my duties as a D-lineman I got to get snacks for the D-line room. So recently I got some doughnut sticks. They were amazing. I also get some chips, Jolly Ranchers, stuff like that. … They like Popeye’s (chicken).”

The third-round pick out of LSU is an up-and-coming prospect who could be a rotation player or even a starter as soon as next season. As for Jackson, it remains to be seen if he can return to being a regular NFL contributor.

Jackson, making $960,000 this season, will be an exclusive rights free agent in March, so it seems likely the Broncos will hold on to him for a non-guaranteed one-year contract of $1.075 million.

All of Denver’s other defensive linemen are under contract for next season except for Franklin-Myers, who is due to become an unrestricted free agent in March. If Franklin-Myers departs, that at least could help the chances of Jackson playing more for the Broncos in 2026.

Humphrey waiting his turn

After returning to the Broncos last month, wide receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey is still looking for his first catch.

Humphrey, after playing for Denver from 2023-24, signed with the New York Giants last March. He ended up on the Giants’ practice squad and Denver plucked him off it Nov. 12.

In two games, Humphrey has gotten in for 23 offensive snaps and has one target without a reception. Humphrey last season had 31 catches for 293 yards.

“Who wouldn’t?’’ Humphrey said of wanting to catch some passes. “But I’m here to do a job. They already had their stuff, their situations. I have to fit in where I can fit in and do the best I can. When my number is called to do more, I’m going to be ready.”

Humphrey is Denver’s No. 5 receiver behind Courtland Sutton, Troy Franklin, Marvin Mims Jr. and rookie Pat Bryant. Bryant was limited in practice Thursday and Friday with a hamstring injury although he did not have an injury designation for Sunday’s game. But if Bryant is slowed at all, that could provide an opportunity for Humphrey to step up as a receiver.

As far as being a blocker, that’s one reason why Payton long has wanted to have Humphrey on his team. Before being with Payton the past two seasons in Denver, the 6-foot-4, 225-pound Humphrey also played for him in New Orleans from 2019-21.

“I feel like it’s an effort thing, and then most guys I’m blocking are not as big as me,’’ Humphrey said of his prowess. “I feel like that helps a lot also.”

Find out down the stretch of the season if it also helps Humphrey catch a few balls.

What I’m hearing

—When the Broncos promoted cornerback Reese Taylor from the practice squad to the 53-man roster on Nov. 15, they cut wide receiver Trent Sherfield to make room for him. Although the two play on different sides of the ball, Taylor was looked at as a replacement for Sherfield on special teams. Taylor was thrilled to see Sherfield sign with Arizona’s practice squad shortly after being let go by Denver. “That’s my dawg,’’ Taylor said. “I’m very excited he got picked up. He’s a good player, and he’s going to make plays there as well.”

—For the fourth time this season and third time in Denver, CBS will have its top broadcasting team call a Broncos game. Behind the mic for next Sunday’s game against Green Bay at Empower Field at Mile High will be Jim Nantz on play-by-play, Tony Romo as analyst and Tracy Wolfson as sideline reporter. CBS’ top team previously did the game at Philadelphia, the Broncos’ 44-24 home win over Dallas on Oct. 26 and their 22-19 defeat of Kansas City on Nov. 16.

What I’m seeing

—When visitors arrive at Denver International Airport and take the train to baggage claim, the current welcome greeting they hear is from Garett Bolles, who refers to himself as an “All-Pro left tackle.” Bolles did make second-team All-Pro in 2020 but perhaps this season he will add a first-team nod to his resume. Bolles is having an outstanding season and is ranked by Pro Football Focus as the second-best tackle in the NFL behind only Detroit’s Penei Sewell.

—After the Broncos’ ugly 10-7 win over the Raiders on Thursday Night Football on Nov. 6, Payton said, “I have to be better.” After slogging through the tape of the game again in preparation for Sunday’s game, he has continued to be critical. Payton, who calls the plays, has said it was a “tough film to watch” and that “offensively, our plan the last time was awful.’’