The San Francisco 49ers host the Denver Broncos this week for a pair of joint practices, followed by a preseason game on Saturday, and both teams will be shorthanded. We’ve discussed the 49ers injury report, and now we have some details on Broncos players that will be sidelined.
Broncos head coach Vance Joseph announced on Tuesday that running back Jamaal Charles and center Matt Paradis will not play this week. Additionally, defensive end Jared Crick suffered a back injury on Monday and likely will be out. Wide receiver Carlos Henderson had surgery on a torn ligament in his thumb and is listed as day-to-day.
Charles and Paradis are both expected back for preseason Week 3, but in the meantime, the 49ers defense will face a short-handed Broncos backfield. Devontae Booker is out as well, leaving C.J. Anderson starting with a depth chart that includes Stevan Ridley, Bernard Pierce, and DeAngelo Henderson.
Paradis’ absence could mean further trouble for the Broncos quarterback competition. Paxton Lynch is expected to get the start this week after Trevor Siemian started last week. The 49ers starting defense will get more time on the field against the Broncos ones. Lynch will have some big options to throw to in the passing game, but some of the injuries could open the door for strong showings by the 49ers defense.