AFC Notes: Broncos, Chargers, Justin Herbert

Broncos

• Broncos HC Vic Fangio said OT Demar Dotson and OL Austin Schlottmann have been cleared to play in Week 8. (Troy Renck)
• Renck notes that Schlottmann will start in place of C Graham Glasgow (COVID-19), while RB Phillip Lindsay (concussion) must clear one more test before returning.
• Broncos promoted WR Fred Brown and C Patrick Morris to their active roster.
• Broncos signed RB Jeremy Cox to their active roster.
• Broncos activated LB Austin Calitro from injured reserve.
• Broncos placed TE Andrew Beck on injured reserve. (NFLTR) 

Justin Herbert

Regarding Chargers’ rookie QB Justin Herbert being labeled as an introvert and “shy person” by some NFL teams, HC Anthony Lynn said that did not factor into the team’s decision to select him with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. 

“I think a lot of introverts get labeled with that word shy, lack of leadership,” Lynn said, via Gilbert Manzano of the OC Register. “My son is an introvert, so I raised one. I know what the tags are, but you just look at how people respond to them. That’s all you need to know.”

Herbert doesn’t think the talk of him being an introvert is an accurate assessment. 

“I wouldn’t say that’s fairly accurate,” Herbert said. “I think on the surface it might appear that way, but when I really get to know people and the team, I think a lot of the guys on the team would tell you differently.”

Chargers

• According to Daniel Popper of The Athletic, Chargers’ G Trai Turner‘s groin injury is taking much longer to recover from than the team initially expected. After suffering the injury in practice prior to Week 3, Turner has not practiced since and will miss his fifth straight game, not including the Chargers’ bye week.
• Popper also notes that CB Desmond King has been a solid replacement for injured CB Chris Harris, who likely will be out two to three more weeks with a foot injury.
• Chargers’ WR Jalen Guyton has cemented his spot as the team’s No. 3 receiver, according to Popper. Popper says that Guyton is becoming one of the league’s top deep threats as he leads all qualifying players with 32.3 yards per reception and is steadily improving as a run blocker. 
• Additionally, Popper believes that the Chargers are curious about how the situation with WR Mike Williams will turn out, despite not having to decide on a contract extension until the 2022 offseason.
• Popper says that the Chargers love Williams’ style of play and will end up extending him. However, the contract will hinge on his production going forward. Williams is currently on pace for less than 600 receiving yards and is often injured due to putting his body on the line to make catches.
• If Williams puts up career numbers in 2021, he could be in line for a massive deal, according to Popper. The Chargers will also have a massive amount of cap flexibility with QB Justin Herbert on a rookie deal.
• The Chargers ruled out DB Desmond King for Week 8 due to something unrelated to injury. 
• Chargers activated OL Trey Pipkins from the COVID-19 list. (NFLTR)
• Chargers promoted RB Troymaine Pope, OL Cole Toner, and WR Jason Moore from the practice squad. 
• Chargers signed TE Matt Sokol to their practice squad.