AFC Notes: Broncos, Chargers, Chiefs

Broncos

Broncos RB Phillip Lindsay hasn’t been on the field the past three weeks as he battles through a toe injury. However, Lindsay is nearing a return which means he will resume his battle with free-agent addition RB Melvin Gordon for playing time in Denver’s running back committee. 

“I would hope to be able to see that on the field throughout the rest of this season because it keeps people off balance,” Lindsay said via Pro Football Talk. “It keeps people on edge because you don’t know who’s going to get the ball and it opens lanes for both Mel and I. Hopefully there are going to be packages later down the line with us throughout the season. I’m excited about it. Me being back, I think that brings another element to helping Mel, and Mel brings an element to help me out.”

• According to NFL Media’s James Palmer, Broncos QB Drew Lock is expected to start against the Patriots with the benefit of the extra week to continue to nurse his throwing shoulder back to health. 
• Broncos HC Vic Fangio confirmed Lock would have been unlikely to play Monday and now has a better chance to get back: “The extra week should help…we’ll see how he progresses the next 72 hours, see how much better he gets, and go from there.” (Troy Renck)
• Fangio said the team will roll with basically losing their bye week: “I was prepared for this. We’re going to roll with the punches and adjust.” (Mike Klis)

Chargers

• Daniel Popper of The Athletic writes that Chargers DE Joey Bosa is probably playing at 80 percent at the absolute best right now, considering that he’s dealing with triceps, ankle and knee injuries.
• Bosa explained last week that the injuries have impacted his overall technique along with the short camp this year: “Where it affected me more is just missing the last few weeks of reps in practice. So not feeling great technique-wise going out there. And then obviously coming off of a short camp and all the COVID stuff. So it’s been tough. But that’s just an excuse. I have to do a better job of preparing, whether that’s just getting some more practice reps on the side where I’m not stressing that triceps as much. I have to figure it out.”
• Popper isn’t willing to say CB Casey Hayward has regressed and still believes he has good football left in him. However, Popper admits that the numbers are “jarring” given that he’s on pace for a career 112 targets and has already allowed 14 catches. Popper believes part of the issue is that the Chargers are mixing in more man coverage this season and Hayward is still adjusting to those scheme tweaks.

Chiefs

• Chiefs HC Andy Reid announced after Sunday’s loss to the Raiders that OL Kelechi Osemele tore tendons in both knees. (James Palmer)