Broncos DE Zach Allen questionable to play vs. Raiders

Broncos defensive Zach Allen is questionable to play in Sunday’s road matchup against the Raiders due to a heel injury.

Allen was a limited participant on Wednesday due to rest. He practiced fully on Thursday and was once again limited on Friday because of the injury.

If Allen is unable to play, that would be a significant loss to Denver’s defense, which ranks first in sacks (39) and second in pressures (164). Allen, who hasn’t missed a game since 2022 as a member of the Cardinals, has been one of the top defensive linemen in the league this season. He has five sacks and 46 pressures — tied for seventh in the league.

In other injury news, safety Brandon Jones is expected to suit up for Denver’s divisional matchup after missing last week’s victory over the Falcons due to an abdominal injury. He was a full participant at practice for the last two days after being limited on Wednesday.

Left guard Ben Powers (shoulder) should be good to go, as well. Even though Powers was sidelined on Wednesday and limited on Thursday, he was a full participant in Denver’s final practice before traveling to Las Vegas.

Linebacker Drew Sanders (Achilles) and wide receiver Josh Reynolds (finger) were both ruled out and will not be activated from injured reserve. Reynolds was placed on the injured reserve last month after undergoing minor finger surgery.

The veteran wide receiver was also shot in an incident that occurred around 3 a.m. Oct. 18 in Denver, according to an affidavit filed against one of the accused in late October. The shooting happened after he and two other men were followed upon leaving Shotgun Willies, a strip club in Glendale, according to the affidavit.

Broncos spend a lot of time on Crosby: Broncos head coach Sean Payton said the offense has spent an extensive amount of time on the protection plan in preparation for Raiders star edge rusher Maxx Crosby.

“Are we sliding this way? Are we nudging?” Payton said. “That requires some (time).”

Crosby has caused problems for the Broncos throughout his career. He has totaled 15.5 sacks in 11 games against Denver. Crosby racked up two in the previous matchup between both teams in Week 5.

“One thing about him is his motor never stops,” quarterback Bo Nix said. “He plays every snap really hard, and he tries to get in everyone’s head…He’s really good. One of the best in the league.”

The Raiders offense is in flux due to changes in the coaching staff. And their secondary is pretty banged up, with cornerbacks Jakorian Bennett (shoulder) and Nate Hobbs (ankle) ruled out for Sunday’s contest.

But one thing the Broncos can count on is Crosby being a game-wrecker on the edge.

“I know there’s two important numbers, 98 (Crosby) and 89 (tight end Brock Bowers),” Payton said.

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