The Broncos’ offense started Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions with the “Missing Man” formation, sending 10 players onto the field and leaving the one receiver position vacated to honor Demaryius Thomas, who died on Thursday.
On Saturday, coach Vic Fangio called Lions coach Dan Campbell to tell him of the plan and referee John Hussey was also informed.
The Broncos ran the play clock to zero and the Lions declined the penalty.
“We wanted to pay tribute to D.T. in any way we could,” Fangio said after the Broncos’ 38-10 win.