Denver Broncos Derek Wolfe doesn’t make trip
Philip Rivers (17) is hit as he releases the ball by Denver Broncos defensive end Derek Wolfe (95) during the first half at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
The Denver Broncos could be without starting defensive end Derek Wolfe for tomorrow’s big rematch against the Kansas City Chiefs, as the Denver Post’s Mike Klis reports that Wolfe did not make the trip to Kansas City with the rest of the team. This puts Wolfe’s status in severe doubt, and he’s currently listed as questionable with an illness that he suffered yesterday.
It’s a precarious situation for the Broncos, because the Broncos already lost a starter on the defensive line to an injury last week, as Kevin Vickerson was placed on the injured reserve. The Broncos have some depth on the defensive line, but it definitely isn’t ideal to go into Sunday’s game against Jamaal Charles and the Chiefs without Wolfe as well.
There’s still plenty of hope that Wolfe can make it to KC and play despite not traveling with the team yesterday, so keep a close eye on all updates related to Wolfe’s status. I’m not the biggest fan of his game, but he has talented and does a very good job of disrupting plays in the backfield. He’s not the most consistent pass rusher around, but he had six sacks last season and has four so far this year; Wolfe is very capable of making plays. If he isn’t able to play, then Alex Smith’s interior will be cleaner (unless if rookie Sylvester Williams breaks out in Vickerson’s place), and Charles should have a little more space to operate in the running game.