Broncos Get Major News On Key Starter Before Bills Playoff Game

Getty

The Denver Broncos got a significant injury update on starting safety Brandon Jones as they returned to practice Tuesday ahead of their AFC Divisional Round matchup with the Buffalo Bills.

Per Mike Klis of 9NEWS, Jones did undergo surgery to repair a torn pectoral muscle suffered near the end of the first half of Denver’s win over the Green Bay Packers on December 14. Klis added the team is keeping open the possibility of a late return, potentially as soon as Super Bowl 60 if the Broncos make it that far.

Broncos Get Major Brandon Jones Update as Postseason Starts

Klis’ report is the clearest indication yet that Jones’ injury was serious enough to require a procedure, after initial reporting in mid-December noted the veteran was dealing with a pec injury and was expected to miss time.

The timeline is what makes the update feel massive for Denver’s defense.

Jones was injured Dec. 14, and Super Bowl 60 is scheduled for Feb. 8, roughly seven weeks from the injury date. Even with the Broncos keeping the door cracked, that’s a tight turnaround for a torn pec repair, and it explains why Denver has treated this as a “late, late” possibility rather than a normal playoff return.

In 14 games this season, Jones recorded 78 tackles, two QB hits, seven passes deflected and an interception. He was on the field for 93% of snaps in those games, proving he’s a major component of the Broncos’ elite defense. 

What It Means for the Broncos vs. Bills

For now, the reality is simple: Jones is not expected back for Saturday’s Divisional Round game against Buffalo at Empower Field at Mile High, and Denver’s defense has to keep rolling with the replacement plan that’s been in place since he went down.

That’s where P.J. Locke comes in.

Klis noted Locke has “ably filled in,” and Denver has leaned on him to stabilize the back end while trying to maintain the communication and disguise that’s been a big part of the Broncos’ defensive identity.

If Denver keeps advancing, the Jones question turns into a week-by-week pressure point: Can the Broncos survive without a key starter long enough to potentially get him back at the very end? And if the answer is yes, the mere possibility of Jones re-entering the mix for the biggest game of the year becomes a real “boost” storyline in a defense-first playoff run.

Why Jones’ Absence Is Such a Big Deal

Jones wasn’t just a “name” in the lineup; he was a workload player.

Jones was the Broncos’ third-leading tackler before the injury forced him out. That’s the profile of a defender you feel immediately when he’s gone, especially against high-powered playoff offenses.

Denver placed Jones on injured reserve in mid-December, with coverage at the time emphasizing Locke as the next man up and the defense needing to adjust on the fly.

Now, with Klis confirming the surgery — and floating the Super Bowl 60 “if everything breaks right” possibility — the Broncos are balancing two truths at once:

1. They have to win right now without their starting safety. 
2. They can still dream of getting a major piece back if their playoff run reaches the final stage.