The Broncos are without a key defensive player. Starting defensive end Zach Allen (heel) is inactive for Denver’s road matchup against the Raiders on Sunday afternoon at Allegiant Stadium. It’s the first game Allen has missed as a member of the Broncos. Allen was a limited participant on Wednesday due to rest. He practiced fully on Thursday and was once again limited on Friday because of the injury. He wore a walking boot on his right foot while observing pregame warmups. Allen’s absence is significant for the Broncos, who rank first in sacks (39) and second in pressures (164). Allen has been one of the top defensive linemen in the league this season, recording five sacks and 46 pressures — tied for seventh in the league. With Allen sidelined, defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike will play on Sunday. Starting safety Brandon Jones will also play despite being listed as questionable on Saturday night due to an illness. Related Articles Denver Broncos | Raiders 13, Broncos 9: Daniel Carlson’s 34-yard field goal extends Vegas’ lead Denver Broncos | Broncos Journal: CB Pat Surtain II on Deion Sanders’ Nike Air Diamond Turf cleats: “It embraces who he is” Denver Broncos | Broncos WR Courtland Sutton has been “security blanket” for Bo Nix during midseason surge Denver Broncos | Broncos scouting report: How Denver matches up with Las Vegas and predictions Denver Broncos | Broncos DE Zach Allen questionable to play vs. Raiders The rest of Denver’s inactive players included cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine, offensive tackle Frank Crum, guard Calvin Throckmorton, tight end Greg Dulcich, guard Nick Gargiulo and quarterback Zach Wilson. Wilson will serve as the team’s emergency third quarterback. Want more Broncos news? Sign up for the Broncos Insider to get all our NFL analysis.