AFC Notes: Broncos, Chargers, Chiefs, Raiders

Broncos

• Per Denver 7’s Troy Renck, Broncos RB Phillip Lindsay reiterated he’s fine sharing the load and he’ll do his best to maximize whatever touches he gets: “I don’t need 20 carries to get where I need to go. I need to get warmed up. I can be the spark player. I can be the starters. At the end of the day, no matter who is in the way, they can do well, but I will make sure I do my part.”
• The Broncos will be relying on OLBs Malik Reed and Jeremiah Attaochu to chip in early in the season while OLB Bradley Chubb is on a pitch count in his recovery from an ACL tear. (Renck)
• Broncos second-round WR KJ Hamler is a possible candidate to start the season on injured reserve and be designated to return with his hamstring injury. (Jeff Legwold)

Chargers

• Per NFL Media’s Omar Ruiz, Chargers HC Anthony Lynn confirmed QB Tyrod Taylor would be the team’s starter going into 2020 and until he proves otherwise. 
• Ready or not, Lynn says Chargers S Nasir Adderley is a candidate to replace Derwin James in the starting lineup: “Whether he’s ready or not, if that’s the direction we go, he’s going to have to be ready.” (Daniel Popper)

Chiefs

• ESPN’s Adam Teicher has Chiefs RBs Darrel Williams and Darwin Thompson making the roster over DeAndre Washington as backups. 
• Teicher notes some depth issues early in the season could save former second-round DL Breeland Speaks a spot on the roster. 
• The Athletic’s Nate Taylor notes Williams has been the best pass-blocking running back and could split carries with first-round RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire in Week 1. 
• While WR Jody Fortson has been impressive, Taylor thinks he’s more likely to be a practice squad candidate than make the active roster off the bat. 

Raiders

• NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport says Raiders WR Tyrell Williams had surgery because he ultimately decided playing through his torn labrum this year wouldn’t be a good idea. 
• Rapoport adds the Raiders have some sneaky depth at receiver with third-round rookie Bryan Edwards, Nelson Agholor, Hunter Renfrow and Zay Jones, plus first-round WR Henry Ruggs.
• Raiders HC Jon Gruden called Ruggs a “no-nonsense grinder” and said he could be a star for the team: “He has a big future ahead of him as long as we don’t screw him up.” (Vic Tafur)