ENGLEWOOD – Two key Broncos players popped up on the injury report Thursday. Star defensive lineman Zach Allen did not practice at Broncos Park due to a calf injury after being listed as a full participant Wednesday. He stretched with the team during the portion of Thursday’s practice open to the media. Rookie wide receiver Pat Bryant was listed as limited Thursday with a hamstring injury after being a full participant Wednesday, an indication the injury more than likely occurred during the workout. Bryant, mostly used as a blocker early in the season, has developed into a receiving weapon in recent weeks. In Denver’s past two games, he has eight catches for 124 yards. More will be known Friday about the injuries to Allen and Bryant and their status for Sunday’s game at Las Vegas. The Broncos also listed as not practicing defensive tackle D.J. Jones with an ankle injury and tight end Nate Adkins with a knee injury. Jones missed his second straight practice after being hurt in last Sunday’s 27-26 overtime win at Washington, and his status remains to be seen for the game against the Raiders. Adkins has missed the past four games and has not practiced since being hurt Oct. 26 against Dallas. Broncos coach Sean Payton expressed optimism last week that Adkins would return this week to practice, but that might not happen. If the Broncos are down at least one defensive lineman Sunday, Jordan Jackson could be active. After playing in all 17 games last season, the former Air Force star has gotten into four games this season while being inactive for the other eight. “We have a lot of guys who are able to step up depending on what the situation is,’’ Jackson said Thursday. “We’ll just see what happens.” In other injury news, Broncos left guard Ben Powers remains on schedule with his rehabilitation after suffering a torn biceps Oct. 5 at Philadelphia, having surgery and being put on injured reserve. There has been continued hope of Powers returning in December, but nothing has been set for when he might be designated for return from injured reserve. Joseph seeks better showing The Broncos have one of the NFL’s top units, but defensive coordinator Vance Joseph wasn’t pleased with the showing against the Commanders. “I thought we played OK, in my opinion,’’ Joseph said of the Broncos giving up 419 yards. “I wasn’t totally pleased with our tackling. We missed like 10 tackles for like 45 yards.” Joseph expects that to be corrected against the Raiders. “Obviously, after every game we play we watch the tape and (look at) what’s good, what’s bad,’’ Joseph said. “If it’s bad, we fix it. If it’s good, we celebrate it. So, no different there, but we can obviously play better. And we have played better and I expect us to play better.” Last Sunday’s showing dropped the Broncos from No. 3 in the NFL in both scoring and total defense to No. 4 and No. 5, respectively. Confidence in Harvey The Broncos have struggled on the ground since star running back J.K. Dobbins was placed Nov. 15 on injured reserve with a foot injury. But they remain confident in his replacement, rookie RJ Harvey. In the past two games, with Dobbins out, Harvey has just 24 carries for 65 yards. But he did have two rushing touchdowns against the Commanders and has six receptions for 47 yards in the past two games. “With experience, he gains more confidence, and we gain more confidence,’’ offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi said Thursday, a day after Denver coach Sean Payton praised Harvey. “I think that role will increase for him. That trajectory is going up as far as protection.” The Broncos also are using running back Jaleel McLaughlin after Dobbins’ injury. After having just one carry and being inactive for nine of the first 10 games, McLaughlin has 12 carries for 43 yards in the past two games. New coordinators for Raiders Since the Broncos defeated Las Vegas 10-7 at home Nov. 6, the Raiders have ousted two of their three coordinators. Special teams coordinator Tom McMahon was fired Nov. 7 and replaced by Derius Swinton II. Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly was fired Nov. 23 and replaced by Greg Olson for the now 2-10 Raiders. “You dive into as much film as you can, and you get your team ready,’’ Payton said of the changes. Denver special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi said he has a “lot of respect” for Swinton and the Broncos “have our work cut out for us in that regard in terms of preparation.” ...read more read less