ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Wide receivers
Emmanuel Sanders
and
Isaiah McKenzie will not play against the Los Angeles Chargers next week because of sprained ankles, but the Broncos can breathe a sigh of relief that their injuries were not as bad as initially feared.
"Better than what I thought," McKenzie said.
Head Coach Vance Joseph told Orange and Blue 760 about the diagnoses Monday afternoon. Both receivers will be “week to week" after this week, Joseph said.
Offensive lineman Billy Turner also will miss the Chargers game and will be week to week after suffering a fractured hand suffered against the Giants on Sunday, Joseph said at his press conference 50 minutes later. Turner underwent surgery Monday.
The news was better for quarterback Trevor Siemian and wide receiver Demaryius Thomas, who will both play against the Chargers. The MRI on Siemian's left shoulder revealed no further damage, while Thomas' MRI revealed a leg bruise.
Right tackle Menelik Watson is also day-to-day because of a calf injury that he suffered late in the first half.
Sanders and McKenzie were injured during the second half. Sanders could not put any weight on his right leg and was helped to the locker room, while McKenzie left the field on a cart.
Both of them underwent X-rays Sunday night that showed no fractures. They had MRI examinations Monday that revealed the sprains.
"I think Isaiah has a little bit lesser of a sprain than Emmanuel," Joseph said.
With Cody Latimer still battling a knee injury that has sidelined him the last three weeks, the Broncos have just three healthy receivers and will have to adapt.
Bennie Fowler III is expected to slide into the starting lineup after working as the No. 3 receiver the first five weeks of the season.
Jordan Taylor, who has been active the last two games and caught three passes for 26 yards against the Giants, should also see extensive action.
Cornerback Brendan Langley handled a fourth-quarter punt return after McKenzie's injury Sunday and is a candidate to fill in for him next week.
