ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- The Denver Broncos still have three preseason games to play and have already had three defensive linemen get injured in the last five days.
Defensive end Billy Winn tore his right ACL in the Broncos' preseason opener in Chicago Thursday night and will miss the season. Defensive end Derek Wolfe then suffered a sprained right ankle in Saturday's practice -- he posted a photo on social media that showed significant swelling -- and is not expected to play any more in the preseason.
Wolfe was taken off the field on a cart and initially he could not put any weight on his right leg. He has said he believes he will be ready for the Sept. 11 regular-season opener against the Los Angeles Chargers.
On Monday, defensive end Jared Crick was taken off the field when he suffered what was described as a back spasm during run-game drills. Broncos coach Vance Joseph said the team will stand pat at the moment, at least while Crick's injury is being evaluated, but the Broncos may have to consider adding a player or two.
"Maybe, if it's a long-term injury," Joseph said. " ... We've got 90 guys in camp ... whoever's competing behind those guys would step up and play."
"People better pray more at night," said Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib of the injuries. "That's the only thing that's going to help. It's football. Guys get hurt."
The Broncos did sign defensive lineman Nelson Adams after Winn was moved to injured reserve Saturday. But Adams, who was also with the Steelers, is a rookie who has never appeared in an NFL game. The Broncos may have to consider bringing in another defensive lineman if they suffer any additional injuries at the position given Wolfe will not play again in the preseason.
"It's a lower ankle sprain so we're going to be smart with this thing -- we aren't going to rush him back and put him out there at 80 percent; not during preseason," Joseph said of Wolfe. "We're going to make sure he's back to 100 percent before he plays again. Right now, it's day-to-day and we're taking it slow."
That is far easier said then done with every team in the league at 90 players. There is also no early roster cut-down this year -- to 75 players -- as there has been in years past so there will not be a significant influx of available players until rosters are cut to 53 players before the start of the regular season.
It has been a difficult preseason for the Broncos' defensive front seven to this point. Outside linebacker Shaquil Barrett, who has been a key situational player for the Broncos, didn't even open camp because of a hip injury he suffered working out in the offseason.
Then Shane Ray, a starter at outside linebacker opposite of Von Miller, tore a ligament in his left wrist in one of the first camp practices and is not expected back until Week 2 or Week 3 of the regular season. Linebacker Todd Davis, also a starter, has missed practice time and did not play in Chicago because of a shoulder injury.
That has all been followed by the injuries to Winn, Wolfe and Crick.
"It sucks anytime you get someone down," said nose tackle Domata Peko. "Wolfe seems like he'll be OK. I'm not sure what went on with Crick (Monday), but that's the name of the game. It's football, things happen like that. You never know what's going to be your last play. We have a good group of guys here to step up and that's what it's about."
The Broncos will have two days' worth of joint practices with the 49ers -- Wednesday and Thursday -- leading up to Saturday's game. Adam Gotsis, Zach Kerr and Shelby Harris are among those who are expected to get more work at defensive end in the coming days.
Joseph said the defensive starters would play "a quarter max" in Saturday's game.
"It's going to be by position, by the player, depends on who the player is and how much time he needs to get ready for the season," Joseph said. " … Right now we've got guys on those spots who are going to push up the position."