AFC West Notes: Broncos, Chargers, Raiders

Broncos

Broncos GM John Elway said the team will consider signing a backup quarterback if second-year QB Chad Kelly does not pan out.

“I’m not going to tell you we’re definitely going to stand pat, but I’m not telling you we’re going (in) that direction, either,” said Elway, via Arnie Stapleton of the Associated Press.

Elway added that the team is “still in that process” of determining the order of their backups behind Case Keenum.

“We’ve got to have confidence that that guy that’s going to be the backup can play and win football games,” Elway said. “And so that’s why we’re still in that process of trying to see if we’ve got that guy behind Case.”

Chargers

Chargers RB Melvin Gordon, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract, acknowledged that Todd Gurley‘s $60 million deal “changed the market” for running backs, but he’s just focusing on football.

“He definitely changed the market for us,” Gordon said, via Jack Wang of the OC Register. “But right now, the season’s starting. The focus can’t be on that. It’s obviously in the back of your mind, but you can’t let that be the center focus. It is what it is at this moment. When that time comes for us backs to get paid, I’m sure it’ll be around the same number.”

• Chargers HC Anthony Lynn said second-round LB Uchenna Nwosu and fourth-round LB Kyzir White both have “sore knees” and did not practice Tuesday, but are expected to play this week’s preseason game. (Eric D. Williams)
• Lynn also mentioned that CB Trevor Williams (ankle), LB James Onwualu (groin), WR Dylan Cantrell (knee), TE Cole Hunt (knee), and DT Justin Jones (ankle) did not practice, while RB Justin Jackson (hamstring) returned to practice.

Raiders

Raiders OT Donald Penn, who is converting to play right tackle, said he felt “awkward and rusty” during practice on Tuesday but is willing to play his new position.

“I told them I’m willing to do whatever it takes to help this team win,” Penn said, via Scott Bair of NBC Sports. “If you guys feel like this is going to be in the best interest of the team, I’ll do it. Today it felt very awkward and rusty, but I need time to develop. I don’t know if that’s going to be a permanent thing or not yet, but it is something we’re testing out. I told them I’m all for it.”

• Field Yates reports that Penn’s restructured deal dropped his 2018 base salary from $6 million to $3 million.
• According to Yates, Penn now carries a cap figure of $4.975 million from the 2018 season, which is down from $8.381 million and he receives $2.75 million guaranteed added to his deal for next season.
• Regarding holdout DE Khalil Mack, Raiders HC Jon Gruden said: “Mack’s the best player coming off the edge in football, that’s our opinion. We’re determined to find a way to get him in here, get him a contract, and get on with life.” (Eddie Borsilli)