Injuries ravaged the Broncos’ defense during training and preseason and they entered Monday’s opener thin on the line. Starting end Jared Crick (back) and reserve Zach Kerr (knee) were both ruled out Friday and were among the team’s seven inactives.
Their absences moved Adam Gotsis, a second-year end, into the starting lineup and prompted the team to promote rookie Tyrique Jarrett from the practice squad in place of Kyle Peko, who was waived Saturday and signed to the practice squad Monday after clearing waivers. Jarrett and Shelby Harris served as the lone reserves against the Chargers.