Broncos Deliver Bad News Amid Attention-Grabbing Decision
The Denver Broncos remain short-handed in Week 13. This time, they will face the Washington Commanders on “Sunday Night Football” without Jonah Elliss. Moreover, the Broncos made a noteworthy decision in light of that and other roster developments.
The Broncos are 9-2 and can match their 2024 win total with a victory over the Commanders, who enter this contest with a laundry list of issues themselves.
Still, the Broncos will need others to step up without one of their more underrated contributors.
Broncos Rule OLB Jonah Elliss Out vs Commanders
GettyJonah Elliss #52 of the Denver Broncos celebrates after a sack against the Atlanta Falcons.
Elliss, whom the Broncos selected with the 77th overall pick in the 2024 draft, has not played since Week 10 against the
However, the Broncos adjusted Elliss’ status.
“#Broncos are downgrading OLB Jonah Elliss to OUT with the hamstring injury, per source,”
Perhaps most ominous, the Broncos did not wait until their list of game-day inactives was due, which is 90 minutes before kickoff.
Elliss is the 22-year-old son of former Broncos defensive lineman and, later, team chaplain
The Broncos still have starters
They also have second-year pro and former undrafted free agent Dondrea Tillman leading a group of reserves that is expected to turn to
A fourth-round pick (No. 134 overall) by the Broncos in the 2025 draft, Robinson has only been active for four games this season. However, he has been active for four of the Broncos’ last six outings.
They also made another decision that suggests the plan to lean on him to replace Eliss.
Broncos Draw Attention With Lack of Transaction Wire Activity
GettyDenver Broncos head coach Sean Payton on the sidelines during a game against the
Despite not having Elliss, the Broncos did not call up anyone from their practice squad, marking a noteworthy decision given the situations elsewhere on their roster. Specifically, The Denver Gazette’s Tomasson noted uncertainty around the Broncos’ plan at tight end.
“No #Broncos roster moves today,” Tomasson reported on X on November 29. “Will play Sunday at Washington with two active TEs. Though Sean Payton said it was a possibility, Marcedes Lewis
Like pass rusher, the Broncos still have their top two tight ends,
Engram has already missed time this season due to injuries and has an extensive history.
The Broncos have embodied the “next man up” mentality. They have navigated stretches of games without starters in Engram,
Elliss is a role player. Elliss is also fourth among the Broncos’ OLBs in snap share this season,
Celtics eye center help as Jayson Tatum quietly works toward return
The Celtics have some decisions coming as they look for center help, and two contracts may determine what’s possible.
Brian Robb of MassLive writes that Boston could use Anfernee Simons’ expiring deal as a trade chip, even taking back a longer contract just to preserve flexibility for the summer.
Sam Hauser’s team-friendly number also gives the front office options.
Meanwhile, Jayson Tatum has been quietly grinding behind the scenes.
He’s recovering from the Achilles injury he suffered in the playoffs, and while Boston hasn’t put a timetable on anything, teammates keep saying the same thing — he looks good.
“He’s staying mentally, physically, emotionally prepared,” Hauser said via The Boston Globe. “He’s working his tail off every day … his presence is still felt even though he’s not out there with us.”
Tatum hopes to play before season’s end. Even if he’s not ready to carry the team through the postseason, Adam Himmelsbach notes it could be valuable for him to log a few games and build chemistry with the young guys.
He’s been more active in practices open to the media, moving freely in shooting drills and showing no obvious limitations.
For now, the Celtics wait — on trades, on roster clarity, and on the franchise star who’s inching closer.
