AFC Notes: Broncos, Chargers, Chiefs

Broncos

Denverโ€™s infamous for how the altitude can impact the visiting team, particularly in early-season games. But thereโ€™s also an acclimation period for new players and new Broncos RB Melvin Gordon has been hit hard with the change in elevation from Los Angeles to Denver. 

โ€œIโ€™m struggling a little bit, Iโ€™m struggling a little bit up here with the altitude,โ€ Gordon said via ESPNโ€™s Jeff Legwold. โ€œWhat I keep hearing is when we play other places, we wonโ€™t even get tired so Iโ€™m looking forward to that. . . . Right now itโ€™s tough, trying to finish downfield, and things like that. Itโ€™s real dry, Iโ€™m trying to drink water every second, lips is dry. Thatโ€™s the biggest adjustment, working all offseason and coming here and still feeling like youโ€™re not in shape because of the altitude.โ€

  • Per Denver 7โ€™s Troy Renck, Broncos HC Vic Fangio said itโ€™s too early to determine who the starting center will be between Patrick Morris, Austin Schlottmann and third-round rookie Lloyd Cushenberry.
  • Cushenberry has worked with the second team the past few days, while Morris and Schlottmann have each taken first-team reps. 
  • Fangio noted Broncos TE Austin Fort is out 4-8 weeks following his knee scope. Broncos WR Juwann Winfree is day-to-day with a groin injury. (Mike Klis)

Chargers

Chargers HC Anthony Lynn confirmed what the teamโ€™s actions this offseason have made clear: Tyrod Taylor will enter the 2020 season as the teamโ€™s starting quarterback. Taylor will work as the clear starter ahead of first-round QB Justin Herbert, which admittedly is similar to two years ago when Taylor started ahead of Browns No. 1 overall QB Baker Mayfield before giving way after just a few games. Lynn wouldnโ€™t rule out Herbert taking over eventually but said heโ€™ll need to beat out Taylor. 

โ€œI donโ€™t think we need to tell the team who the quarterbackโ€™s gonna be,โ€ Lynn said via Sports Illustratedโ€™s Albert Breer. โ€œI think right now, Tyrod Taylorโ€™s our quarterback. And if Justin goes through camp and does something to change our mind, thatโ€™s great. That means weโ€™d have a really good quarterback competition. But without being here for the offseason, without having any of those practices, that sets a quarterback back.

โ€œJustinโ€™s a very intelligent young man, Iโ€™m very pleased where heโ€™s at with his football IQ. Iโ€™m not gonna shortchange him. Iโ€™m never gonna say what you canโ€™t do. But right now, this football team knows Tyrod Taylorโ€™s our quarterback. And if someone wants to step up and knock him off the pedestal, then thatโ€™s great.โ€

  • Per NFL Mediaโ€™s Steve Wyche, Lynn noted Chargers DE Melvin Ingram is with the team but did not practice again like on Friday. Lynn declined to talk specifics: โ€œHeโ€™s in meetings, walkthroughs, individual. What he does on the practice field we will see later. This is company business.โ€
  • The Athleticโ€™s Daniel Popper notes Lynn was willing to discuss injury issues with other players, so his hesitancy could mean the issue with Ingram is contract related. The veteran is in the final year of his contract. 
  • Chargers WR Keenan Allen is also entering the final year of his contract but isnโ€™t pushing the issue: โ€œThat would be nice, but I ainโ€™t tripping.โ€ (Popper)

Chiefs

  • Per ESPNโ€™s Adam Teicher, Chiefs TE Ricky Seals-Jones had to be carted from practice with an apparent leg injury. 
  • Chiefs first-round RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire was back at practice after being limited Sunday. 
  • Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo says the team is preparing to lose DL Mike Pennel to a suspension for part of the season. Pennel is currently going through the appeals process. (Nate Taylor)
  • Chiefs second-round LB Willie Gay says heโ€™s learning the SAM linebacker position behind Damien Wilson. (Taylor)
  • Chiefs worked out DB Kemon Hall, WR Marcus Kemp and DB Brandon Williams, according to Albert Breer.

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