AFC Notes: Broncos, Chargers, Chiefs, Raiders

Broncos

• Per Ryan O’Halloran of the Denver Post, Broncos HC Vic Fangio said OT Elijah Wilkinson shifting back over to the right side should work out well for him: “It’s a good thing for Eli because he gets to back to the position he spent 800, 900 snaps at last year and the practice to go with that.”
• The Broncos’ projected starting right tackle, Ja’Wuan James, opted out of the 2020 season. James missed most of the 2019 season and disagreed with the team saying he was cleared medically and just wasn’t ready emotionally to come back. But Fangio doesn’t think that impacted his decision: “I don’t think it had any bearing. He was training to have a good season all through offseason. I thought he had a good offseason. We spoke many times. And down towards the end here when he had to make a decision he just chose to opt out, which is his choice and we’re fine with it.” (Mike Klis)
• Despite battling an illness, Fangio told reporters Broncos CB Bryce Callahan is expected to be healthy and ready to play this year after missing 2019 with a foot injury: “Bryce’s health is good. Before we came back he got sick. Not COVID sick he had a stomach virus and lost weight. We’ve got to get that back on him. But his foot is fine, no problems. We’re going to work him at both spots. He’ll play CB and nickel.” (Klis)
• Broncos LB Von Miller says he gave serious consideration to opting out after his bout with COVID-19 earlier this year. But he says Denver’s safety measures helped bring him on board: “And last year, I didn’t play to my standard. There was more for me to give.” (O’Halloran)

Chargers

• Per Jeff Miller of the Los Angeles Times, Chargers DE Joey Bosa said he thinks his holdout as a rookie played a part in his new contract coming together quickly, and noted that he and the team didn’t want to “butt heads.” 
• Bosa seems to have a weight lifted off of his shoulders now that he and the Chargers can put the contract behind them: “I’m very relieved it got done early. It definitely came together a little faster than I expected. Once things were figured out with the Players Association [on coronavirus-related training camp rules] it took a week.” (Joe Reedy)
• When asked about the Chargers offense running the ball more often this season, Bosa mentioned QB Justin Herbert saying: “Who knows? Maybe Herbert’s going to be an absolute beast out there, throwing dimes left and right, and we could end up relying on his arm more and more throughout the year.” (Miller)
• Bosa was then reminded that QB Tyrod Taylor is expected to start Week 1, Bosa added: “I’m sorry. We know what Tyrod can do. He’s a beast, a beast with his legs, too…You got me flustered now. I feel like a bad teammate. I love you Tyrod. Happy birthday, too.” (Miller)

Chiefs

• Per Herbie Teope of the Kansas City Star, Chiefs HC Andy Reid confirmed the team will move forward with first-round RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire as the starter after veteran RB Damien Williams opted out: “We’re going to get him ready to play.”
• Reid also feels confident in the Chiefs’ depth at running back with Darrel Williams, DeAndre Washington and Darwin Thompson rounding out the group: “If you have to pick a position where you have some talent, that’s a pretty good position.” (Adam Teicher)

Raiders

• Daniel Kaplan notes the Raiders will lose $571 million from not having fans in the stands this season.
• Raiders OC Greg Olson says the team wants to see QB Derek Carr improve on creating more outside of the pocket. (Paul Gutierrez)
• Olson mentioned Raiders third-round RB Lynn Bowden Jr., who was a receiver and wildcat quarterback in college, is learning some QB as well: “We believe he can do some of the plays at quarterback that he did in college.” (Vic Tafur)