Denver Broncos Duke Ihenacho could be out

Denver Broncos safety Duke Ihenacho (38) works out during mini camp at Broncos headquarters. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Denver Broncos new starting strong safety Duke Ihenacho put himself on the map with a huge performance to open the regular season against the Baltimore Ravens. Astute in coverage, Ihenacho was making plays all over the field and looks like a real playmaker in the Broncos secondary at SS. The San Jose State product has excelled against the run so far this season, and his five passes defended show that Ihenacho is also more than capable of making plays in the passing game.

The 24-year-old suffered a right ankle injury against the Oakland Raiders last week in the third quarter, and he most likely aggravated an ankle injury he suffered in Week 2 against the New York Giants. In that game, Ihenacho was carted off of the field, but he was able to play in Week 3.

But according to Mike Klis of the Denver Post, Duke Ihenacho could miss tomorrow’s contest against the Philadelphia Eagles with the apparently aggravated ankle injury. Ihenacho beat out last year’s starter Mike Adams for the SS gig, and Adams is now an excellent backup for the Denver Broncos. That said, Ihenacho’s high-impact ability in the box against the run will be missed tomorrow if he can’t play, because the Broncos will need all the help they can get in order to stop Eagles superstar RB LeSean McCoy. Adams is a decent player, but it’s clear that Ihenacho is the better safety.

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