Broncos safety Talanoa Hufanga is officially questionable for Sunday’s showdown against the Panthers. This is not the news you want to hear when you are trying to hold things together, especially when that defense is already thin. Hufanga has been battling an ankle injury that first cropped up in Week 5 when they played the Chargers.
Hufanga’s Ankle: Still A Major Concern
The team has been keeping a close eye on Hufanga, but his practice status isn’t exactly encouraging. He missed Wednesday’s session completely, which is always a red flag. He managed to get in limited practice on both Thursday and Friday, but “limited” for a starting safety, especially with an ankle issue, means he is far from 100%. He’s been out or limited since that Week 5 injury, and heading into a Sunday game, that kind of uncertainty is brutal for defensive planning. You just know Panthers offensive coordinators are already looking at how to exploit any holes in the secondary if Hufanga can’t go or is hobbled.
More Injury Woes Piling Up For Denver
It is not just Hufanga’s ankle causing headaches for the Broncos. Wide receiver Pat Bryant is also listed as questionable for Sunday with an ankle injury, but at least he is a full participant in practice for three days straight. His 21-day return-to-practice window just opened this week, so the team has until Saturday to activate him from injured reserve if they want him on the field. He has not played a snap since Week 4 when they faced the 49ers. Outside linebacker Dondrea Tillman got added to the injury report on Friday with a hip issue, also listed as questionable after a full practice.
But wait, there is more bad news. The Broncos will be without a few key guys completely. Cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine (ankle), safety Brandon Jones (hamstring), and defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike (shoulder) have all been ruled out. They all missed practice all week, so it is no surprise, but it means their depth is going to be tested big time. On a brighter note, wide receiver Jaylen Waddle was a full participant Friday and does not carry a game status, so that is one less thing to worry about for his team.
With Hufanga’s status up in the air and a long list of guys already out, the Broncos defense has a tough road ahead. They face the Panthers on Sunday, and they will need everyone healthy to get the job done, or they are going to have to dig deep into their roster to find some answers.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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