Broncos S Brandon Jones missed much of training camp with a hamstring injury and didn't play in any of the team's three preseason contests. But he said after Sunday's finale that he "should be ready" for the regular-season opener, according to the Denver Gazette. Jones returned to practice last week after sustaining his injury on the first day of camp.
More from Jones: "I’m doing good. Getting better each day. I definitely miss my guys being out there, being able to participate in and do football stuff. But definitely progressing in the right direction. Since I can’t get the physical reps, I’m doing as much as I can mentally. Rewatching practice with the guys and doing a little extra stuff on my own. I even watched some of the film from last year. Having the calls up there and kind of making my own calls. I’m definitely a visual learner.
DC Vance Joseph on Aug. 22, on Jones missing time: "That’s always a concern because obviously playing football and being in the meeting room is different. Having him back out there and getting reps is important. We play next week. ... When guys miss time, it’s critical they get back to the playing field and also off the field having their studies in check. Playing the game is playing the game. It’s not on the sideline."
Reports say the missed practice time has left Jones competing with JL Skinner and Devon Key for the starting safety spot opposite P.J. Locke. I'm not buying that.
The Broncos signed Jones to a three-year, $20 million deal near the start of free agency. Even if they decide he's not ready for a full-time role in Week 1, it would be a pretty big upside for another guy to take and hold the job over him.
Skinner arrived as a sixth-round pick last year (HC Sean Payton's first season) and played just one defensive snap all year. Key is 26 and has yet to play a regular-season snap since hitting the league as an undrafted free agent in 2021.
Jones is the starter here. It's just a matter of when he's ready for full playing time.
Whenever he is, Jones' "in the box" profile and big-play upside (8 career sacks, 3 INTs in limited roles with the Dolphins) make him more attractive as a fantasy option than he is a real-life safety.
He's a nice late sleeper in your IDP draft.
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