AFC West Notes: Broncos, Demaryius Thomas, Chargers, Joey Bosa

Demaryius Thomas

Broncos executive John Elway explained the decision to trade WR Demaryius Thomas to the Texans on Tuesday.

“It’s never easy when you trade a guy that has been a household name here for a long time and done a lot of great things, not only on the football field but also in the community and is a good man,” Elway said, via the Denver Post. “Plus, it’s a good spot for Demaryius. He’s going to a good football team that is in a pennant race.”

• Elway said that “probably three or four teams” were interested in Thomas before they traded him to the Texans. (Nicki Jhabvala)

Broncos

Elway mentioned that they wanted to give rookie Courtland Sutton an opportunity to see what he can: “We thought that this would give Courtland a chance to get out there and play more and become a bigger part of it because we think he’s ready to go. He’s played well up until this point in time, so hopefully this accelerates his maturity.” (Nicki Jhabvala)

Chargers

Chargers DE Joey Bosa says he’s finally starting to make some strides, as he works his way back from a foot injury.

“[It’s] the first time that I’m really making some strides to get out on the field,” he said, via Chargers.com. “It’s been a slow progression ever since I left. We kind of started from square one, literally walking on the field. You have to walk before you run. I know it’s kind of silly, but it’s kind of how it goes. It’s simple walking. Toe walks. Heel walks. Rising up on my toes. It’s just been a very slow progression.

“From now, it’s going to be a week-to-week type thing,” Bosa added. “People keep asking me when I’m going to be ready. I’m going to be ready when my foot is ready to play. I’m not going to push it a day early, and I’m also not going to be sitting around healthy waiting to play [against] the best matchup. The second my foot is ready [to] practice on a Wednesday, I will play that week. Whether it be next week [or] two weeks from now, I’m feeling very confident in the way it’s progressing that I’ll be out there in the next few weeks ready to go.“