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ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- **Five players did not practice because of injuries Wednesday as the Broncos began their on-field preparations for Sunday's game against the New York Jets.

Wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (ankle), nose tackle Domata Peko Sr. (knee), guard Ron Leary (back), quarterback Paxton Lynch (ankle) and inside linebacker Joseph Jones (Achilles tendon) were held out of practice.

Sanders did not practice last Wednesday because of the ankle injury, but he took part in the following two days of work and played Sunday. He has not missed a game since October.

Peko and Leary have not practiced since being injured at Oakland on Nov. 26. Connor McGovern will start at right guard for a second consecutive game if Leary cannot play.

Head Coach Vance Joseph praised McGovern's work in his first start last Sunday.

"The first couple of series, he kind of felt his way through it, but as the game went on, he got more comfortable and he battled [Ndamukong] Suh," Joseph said. "He graded out against a veteran player who's played a lot of football, so I was proud of Mac, how he played against Suh."

Jones' injury is not considered serious, Joseph said.

"He could have gone today, but if he would have gone, it would have made it more sore and [given him] a chance of missing Sunday, so it wasn't worth it for him to go today," said Joseph, who added that Jones will practice Thursday.

Lynch has already been ruled out for the Jets game because of the ankle injury he suffered against the Raiders.

Running back Jamaal Charles was given a rest day. Rookie running back De'Angelo Henderson was also excused from part of practice because of a personal matter.

Inside linebacker Todd Davis saw limited work because of an ankle injury.

The practice was also the Broncos' first after placing defensive end Derek Wolfe on season-ending injured reserve because of a neck injury.

"Right now, he just needs rest and rehab," Joseph said.

Shelby Harris will start in place of Wolfe.