Broncos Confirm Waddle, Allen, Bolles Will Start Against Chiefs

Four of the Denver Broncos' top performers were listed as questionable for Sunday's matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, yet all four will take the field. Wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, defensive tackle Zach Allen, offensive lineman Garett Bolles, and safety Brandon Jones completed their initial pregame warmups and remain on the active roster.

Waddle's status drew the most scrutiny following a chest injury sustained during last week's win over the Arizona Cardinals. He exited the game after grabbing his left chest and shoulder area while attempting to recover a fumble. Head coach Sean Payton described the play as awful after a reverse call. Waddle missed Wednesday's practice but returned in a limited capacity on Thursday and Friday. He was seen stretching and joining drills during the media viewing portion of practice sessions.

Bolles practiced in a limited fashion throughout the week due to a hip injury. Jones was added to the injury report on Thursday with a hamstring issue. Allen missed practice on Wednesday before participating in a limited fashion on Thursday and Friday. The team decided not to elevate a wide receiver from the practice squad on Saturday. Instead, Denver pulled up reserve running back Cody Schrader, who will serve as the team's third running back alongside RJ Harvey and Tyler Badie, both of whom are on the short-term injured reserve list. Undrafted rookie offensive lineman Gavin Ortega was also elevated.

Waddle enters Sunday's game with one of the slowest starts of his career, though he still leads the Broncos in catches with 26, targets with 45, and receiving yards with 276. His four catches for 48 yards against Arizona marked his best performance since Week 2 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, when he caught eight passes for 138 yards. The Chiefs held Waddle to one catch for two yards in the season opener. He has struggled with drops this season, including a dropped slant that could have resulted in significant yardage in the first game.

Allen has emerged as one of the league's best defensive tackles. His ability to generate interior pressure and stop the run is essential for containing Kenneth Walker II and keeping Patrick Mahomes in the pocket. Jones' availability is critical for the secondary, as Talanoa Hufanga is out for the third consecutive game. The Broncos signed Taylor Rapp from the practice squad to play next to Jones. Reserve safety Devon Key will also be in the rotation.

The Chiefs are currently without two starting cornerbacks. This defensive gap could present an opportunity for Waddle to have one of his most productive games of the season. The Broncos rely on his speed and production to counter the Chiefs' passing defense. The game is scheduled for Sunday.