Denver Broncos safety Talanoa Hufanga is expected to miss multiple weeks with an ankle injury suffered in Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers, according to ESPN and NBC Sports. One source told ESPN that Hufanga’s absence could stretch two to three weeks depending on his recovery, a window that could carry him through the Broncos’ Week 10 bye.
Hufanga went down with 2 minutes, 50 seconds left in the third quarter when he and defensive tackle D.J. Jones combined to tackle Chargers running back Omarion Hampton for a 2-yard loss. He did not return to the game.
What The Team And Sources Said
Neither ESPN nor NBC Sports reported an official designation from the Broncos, but both outlets cited sources indicating Hufanga’s ankle injury will keep him out multiple weeks. Hufanga did not practice during the Broncos’ shortened week of preparation for Thursday night’s game against the Seattle Seahawks and did not take part in any on-field work.
Broncos coach Sean Payton did not speak directly about Hufanga’s ankle injury in the available comments, but he praised the safety’s knack for generating takeaways. “Hufanga did not practice during the Broncos’ shortened week leading up to Thursday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks and did not take part in any on-field work. Broncos coach Sean Payton praised Hufanga’s role in forcing turnovers.
“Turnovers are purposeful. It happened with [Hufanga] early in the game. … Those are huge, huge swings of momentum,” Payton said Tuesday.”Turnovers are purposeful.
Those are huge, huge swings of momentum,” Payton said.
Who Replaces Hufanga In Denver’s Secondary
Devon Key, a first-team All-Pro selection as a special-teamer last season, has already stepped into Hufanga’s safety spot alongside Brandon Jones and is expected to start Thursday night against the Seahawks. Denver’s other safeties on the roster include JL Skinner and Tycen Anderson.
Hufanga’s absence compounds the Broncos’ injury issues in the secondary. Cornerback Pat Surtain II, who missed Sunday’s win over the Chargers, will also not play Thursday against Seattle. Both injuries limit Denver’s ability to deploy its dime package at times.
Hufanga’s Season Numbers And Role
Hufanga ranks fourth on the Broncos in tackles with 23 this season. He has also recorded two interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown, along with a sack, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
In Denver’s win over the Los Angeles Rams to close out September, Hufanga became just the fifth safety in NFL history to post two interceptions, a pick-six and a sack in a single game. His playmaking continued into Sunday’s game against the Chargers, when he forced and recovered a fumble on tight end Charlie Kolar in the first quarter, a turnover that set up Denver’s opening touchdown four plays later.
What’s Next
The Broncos face the Seahawks on Thursday night without Hufanga and Surtain both sidelined by ankle injuries. One source estimated Hufanga could miss two to three weeks, potentially keeping him out through Denver’s Week 10 bye. For more on Denver’s matchup against Seattle, see the Seahawks vs. Broncos preview, and for background on Denver’s recent defensive performances, check the Broncos vs. 49ers preview.
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