It’s going to take more than another 0-2 start for Courtland Sutton to throw in the towel on the 2024 season.
The wide receiver expressed frustration after the Broncos’ 13-6 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers at Empower Field at Mile High on Sunday. But he remains optimistic even if Denver is 0-2 for the second year in a row.
“I’ve been on both ends of the spectrum,” Sutton said. “I was telling guys (about) the year we started (3-0) with (former Broncos quarterback) Teddy (Bridgewater), and we lost (four in a row). Last year we started off 1-5, and found a way to win five in a row.”
Sutton said the team has to find a better way to get back on track. He is confident in the talent, but it’s a matter of executing the plays that are called.
“It’s on us to find a way,” Sutton said. “Once the roster (was) made, this is all we have. And we know we have what we need in this locker room. We will figure it out.”
Defense takes hit: Defensive end John Franklin-Myers suffered a concussion in Sunday’s loss, while outside linebacker Baron Browning exited the game early with a foot injury. Neither returned to the field.
Franklin-Myers recorded three tackles before he was evaluated for a head injury near the end of the first quarter. He was officially ruled out at the 7:04 mark of the second. Browning wasn’t ruled out until late in the third quarter.
Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper were Denver’s edge rushers to start the second half. Defensive end Jordan Jackson, who spent all of last season on the practice squad, replaced Franklin-Myers and recorded a tackle.
McGlinchey injures knee: Broncos right tackle Mike McGlinchey went down with a knee injury late in the fourth quarter.
McGlinchey sustained the injury with 2:01 to go in regulation when Nix threw an incomplete pass on third down. He was looked at by trainers before walking into the medical tent and didn’t play on Denver’s final drive. He was replaced by second-year offensive lineman Alex Palczewski.
McGlinchey didn’t speak with reporters after the game but indicated that he’s OK.
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Starting left tackle Garett Bolles was also shaken up but returned after being checked out by trainers.
Broncos inactives: There were no surprises from Denver’s inactive list. Rookie wide receiver Devaughn Vele (ribs), running back Blake Watson, cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine, offensive tackle Frank Crum, tight end Lucas Krull and defensive end Eyioma Uwazurike did not suit up against Pittsburgh.
Rookie wideout Troy Franklin made his debut and didn’t have a reception on one target.
Bonitto, Jones fined: A pair of Broncos players received fines from last week’s loss to Seattle. Safety Brandon Jones was fined $11,255 for unnecessary roughness in the fourth quarter while Bonitto was fined $8,791 for a first-quarter hit on Seattle QB Geno Smith.
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