Broncos’ depth at outside linebacker will be tested following Nik Bonitto’s injury

Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph understands the reality of the team’s depth at outside linebacker.

Second-year edge rusher Nik Bonitto will not play in Saturday’s game against the Detroit Lions due to a knee injury. While Baron Browning is fully healthy, outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper (ankle) was limited at practice this week, and rookie inside linebacker Drew Sanders, who has spent some time on the edge in recent weeks, is still getting up to speed.

Not to mention, Ronnie Perkins was waived on Thursday after playing in five games.

Joseph thinks the Broncos have enough at outside linebacker. And if they don’t, Denver has no choice but to work with what it has.

“The game is Saturday night. We can’t draft anybody else right now,” Joseph said.

Bonitto’s absence is a big loss for the Broncos. He has been an effective pass-rush unit in recent weeks and recorded a team-best seven sacks and 18 quarterback hits in 13 games (three starts).

It remains to be seen if Cooper is 100% healthy. Still, having Cooper available is beneficial for Denver’s defense. He has started in every game this season, totaling 5.5 sacks and 60 total tackles.

The Broncos have rotated their edge rushers during games. With Bonitto out, expect Sanders to have an increased workload against the Lions. Last week against the Chargers, Sanders played 32 defensive snaps — the most he has played since Week 4 against the Bears, when he was on the field for 57 snaps.

Sanders was drafted in the third round, joining Josey Jewell and Alex Singleton in the inside linebackers room. Lately, he has been working with the edge rushers, a position that he has some familiarity with: The former Arkansas standout played both linebacker spots while he was in college.

Even though Sanders has experience playing the edge, he mentioned that he is still learning how to play the position effectively at the NFL level.

“Every week (I’m) just getting better and better,” he said. “I got a lot of great guys in that room to learn from.”

Sanders entered the season with tremendous upside. But as the season has progressed, it’s been evident that he is still adjusting to the pro level. He has totaled 14 tackles and a fumble recovery in 13 games for the Broncos. Sanders went through a five-game stretch where he played a combined 23 defensive snaps. Sanders’ playing time has increased over the last three weeks since he transitioned to outside linebacker.

As an inside linebacker, Sanders had to learn how to play in space and drop in coverage. He said those traits have helped him as an outside linebacker. Each week, he believes that he is developing a better understanding of what opposing offenses are trying to do, different formations and the speed of the game.

“(Sanders has) been fine,” Joseph said. “Obviously, it’s a different role for him so there’s some learning curve, (but) he’s playing well.”

Denver’s defense has excelled at getting to the quarterback over the past four games. The Broncos have recorded 17 sacks during that span, including six against the Chargers. Yes, their depth at outside linebacker is questionable. But Denver has been able to generate sacks and pressures from players outside of its edge rushers, providing optimism that the team can weather past Bonitto’s absence.

“I feel like our (defensive backs), (inside) linebackers and (defensive line) have stepped up. It’s amazing to see,” Cooper said.