AFC West Notes: Broncos, Chargers, Raiders

Broncos

Regarding the possibility of starting second-round QB Drew Lock once he returns to the team, Broncos GM John Elway explained that he believes it is important to refrain from playing someone “before he’s ready.”

“I will say this: The most important thing for a young quarterback is not to put him out there before he’s ready,” Elway said, via Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic. “So that is the most important thing and if he’s not ready, we’re not going to put him out there. That is the key thing. And as you know dealing with quarterbacks, it’s a very tough thing because if you don’t put him in a situation where he has a chance to be successful and he’s not successful, the whole roof will cave in. So we have to make sure that Drew is ready when he does get in there, if he does get in there.”

Elway said the Broncos are still in the process of evaluating Lock but made clear that he is “not ready” to start. 

“We’re still in the process of evaluating that. He is not ready to go right now, I will tell you that.”

Chargers

• Albert Breer reports that the trade market for Chargers RB Melvin Gordon was “fairly soft” before he ended his holdout and reported to the team. 
• Breer says the Chargers didn’t get an offer even in the ballpark of Mohamed Sanu and Emmanuel Sanders went for. 
• At this point in the year, Breer can’t see another team valuing Gordon to the point where they offer more for him now than during his holdout, considering that he’s in the final year of his contract and is looking for big money. 

Raiders

Raiders HC Jon Gruden said RB Josh Jacobs suffered a “legitimate” shoulder injury in Week 6 and is listed as questionable. 

“He’s got a legitimate shoulder (injury). He got hurt in the Green Bay game, had it shot up. He’s still very sore and we’ll list him as questionable for the game,” said Gruden, via Scott Bair of NBC Sports. 

Raiders CB Daryl Worley mentioned that the team’s decision to trade CB Gareon Conley to the Texans hit “close to home” given they were good friends. 

“This hits close to home but, because we’re good friends, it hits in a different sense,” Worley said, via Bair. “I know the NFL is a business as much as anyone because I’ve been through what he’s going through now. I’ve been there before. But at the same time, Gareon’s a great player and he’s going to make plays over there.”

• Regarding whether the Raiders are interested in acquiring Falcons DE Vic Beasley, Vic Tafur has heard Oakland believes Beasley is “too undersized.”
• Although, Tafur adds it’s at least a possibility “if the price is right.”