Denver Broncos win preseason opener vs Cowboys, lose starter to injury

At Empower Field at Mile High, the Denver Broncos and Dallas Cowboys played in the first preseason game on Saturday.

The Broncos' 17-7 victory saw them lose a crucial starter to injury, which might have repercussions for the defense.

Jonas Griffith exits game vs Cowboys with injury

In the Broncos' victory over the Cowboys on Saturday, their defense took a severe beating.

The Denver defense's starter, Jonas Griffith, left the game due to an elbow injury.

The accident happened during the game's second play.

Griffith quickly collapsed to the ground on the play, clearly in great discomfort.

He would quit the game and never come back.

The extensive starter experience at the position makes Griffith's injury concerning.

Alex Singleton, who the Broncos acquired through NFL Free Agency, is behind him.

Singleton has previous starting experience; in 2021, he made eight starts for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Kana'i Mauga, Barrington Wade, and Justin Strnad are the other linebackers on the roster.

If Griffith is out for any length of time, the Broncos might consider inviting veteran LB Joe Schobert back into the building. He was recently hosted by the team.

P.J. Locke’s impressive off-season translates in game

In the absence of starters Justin Simmons and Kareem Jackson, the Broncos' depth at safety is in good hands.

P.J. Locke and Caden Sterns proved they could control the back end of the Denver secondary during Saturday's victory.

The Cowboys were in a 4th and 2 situation in Denver territory at the halfway point of the first quarter.

Cooper Rush, the rookie receiver targeted by the Cowboys, was intercepted by Locke after he read the route in a split second.

Locke's diligent offseason effort is continuing to pay off and may help him play a key defensive role this year.

The game would end with one interception and one pass defensed for the third-year safety.

Broncos receiver competition off to a hot start

During the Broncos' victory over the Cowboys on Saturday, the wide receiver competition was on display.

Each of the offensive big plays made by Kendall Hinton, Brandon Johnson, and Seth Williams helped them stake out a spot on the team.

Right now, it seems like the roster will be locked in with Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, KJ Hamler, and Montrell Washington.

Whether the team decides to carry six or seven receivers on the active roster before the regular season will have a significant impact.

Johnson hauled up an amazing 40-yard catch along the left sideline in the second quarter, garnering an improper contact call from a Cowboys defender.

Josh Johnson's one-yard touchdown reception from Williams to end the drive gave the Broncos a 7-0 lead.

Denver led 14-0 at the halfway point of the second quarter after Hinton caught a 24-yard touchdown pass from Johnson who brilliantly lofted the ball over the defender.

Williams would complete the contest with four receptions for 29 yards and a score.

Hinton finished the game with three receptions for 53 receiving yards and a score.

Johnson finished the game on Saturday with four catches and 64 yards in the air.

Jalen Virgil, an undrafted rookie free agent, made a strong second-half showing by hauling in three catches for 83 yards.

When roster cuts are necessary, general manager George Paton will face some extremely difficult personnel selections at the receiver position, it is certain.

Denver Broncos backup quarterback competition

In the first game of the preseason, Denver's backup quarterback competition came under scrutiny.

The Broncos' seasoned quarterback Josh Johnson got the game underway.

Johnson's first three drives were slow to get going, culminating in a total of 12 plays for 39 yards, two punts, and a turnover on downs.

On the following three drives, Johnson made a great comeback and scored two touchdowns and a field goal.

With a final completion rate of 69.7 percent, the eighth-year pro completed 16 of 23 passes for 172 yards and two touchdowns.

The Broncos' fourth-year quarterback Brett Rypien began the second half.

The Broncos failed his initial drive by scoring three points.

After the offense took the field at its own one-yard line for the second drive of the game, Rypien directed the Broncos 96 yards down the field.

Rypien was accurate with his passes throughout that drive, connecting deep downfield with undrafted rookie Jalen Virgil for a 42-yard completion, with Travis Fultham for a first down, and with Darrius Shepherd for another first down.

On fourth down, Denver tried to go for it, but a Cowboys defender swatted the ball away, forcing a turnover.

In the end, Rypien completed 8 of 18 passes for 113 yards in the air without either touchdowns or interceptions.

Denver Broncos Injury Report

The Broncos' victory over the Cowboys resulted in injuries to the following players.

After the game's second play, inside linebacker Jonas Griffith (elbow) was declared ineligible.

Michael Ojemudia, a cornerback, was examined for a concussion but was given the all-clear to play.

Delarrin Turner-Yell, a safety, is having a concussion evaluation done on his head.

Miscellaneous Broncos notes

In his first game as head coach of the Broncos, Nathaniel Hackett played aggressive offensive.

Denver's offense attempted to go for it three times on fourth down but failed to do so.

The Broncos had a total of 8 penalties for 64 yards in the game.

The Denver Broncos will resume practicing this week in anticipation of their game against the Buffalo Bills on Saturday.