The Broncos will take on the Seahawks at Lumen Field on Monday, Sept. 12 at 6:15 p.m. MT.
MATCHUP
After months of anticipation, the wait for the Broncos' season opener — and Russell Wilson's debut — is nearly over. The matchup, also notable of course for being Wilson's first game at Lumen Field as a visitor following the offseason blockbuster trade, will place the Broncos back in the spotlight on "Monday Night Football" in what is expected to be a wild environment that could also be an emotional one. But aside from that central story, this game will also provide a first real look at what this year's Broncos offense will look like, as designed and implemented by Head Coach Nathaniel Hackett. The ensemble cast around Wilson at receiver (led by Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy) and at running back (led by Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon III) is a talented bunch, but will there be growing pains in Week 1? And in a new blocking scheme, how will the offensive line fare against the Seahawks' defensive front with old friend Shelby Harris on the other side? We'll have to watch to find out.
Against the Seahawks, Denver's defense will also face some exceptional talent. Cornerbacks Pat Surtain II and Ronald Darby will have to deal with wideouts DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, and former Broncos tight end Noah Fant will also work to stretch Denver's defense. At long last, Denver's veteran pass-rushing tandem of Bradley Chubb and Randy Gregory should also take the field, and against rookie starters Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas, they could find opportunities to get to quarterback Geno Smith.
A deafening atmosphere awaits the Broncos in Seattle, and even though it's only first game of the season, it feels like there's a lot on the line as Denver hopes to begin its march to the playoffs with a win.
INJURY UPDATE
Ahead of the opener, the Broncos are close to full health but will be without at least one starter on defense. ILB Josey Jewell is listed as out with a calf injury and did not practice on Friday or Saturday. OLB Randy Gregory (shoulder/knee), WR KJ Hamler (knee/hip) and OL Billy Turner (knee) are listed as questionable. And ILB Jonas Griffith, who suffered an elbow injury during Denver's preseason opener, did not receive a game status, which indicates that he will be available on Monday.
UPDATE: The Broncos announced on Sunday that Jewell has been downgraded from doubtful to out.
Seattle, meanwhile, will be without long snapper Tyler Ott (shoulder) and LB Alton Robinson (knee), who were both ruled out on Saturday. CB Artie Burns (groin) is doubtful, and RB Kenneth Walker III (hernia) and guard Damien Lewis are listed as questionable.
WATCH ON TV: ESPN/ABC
Play-by-Play: Joe Buck
Analyst: Troy Aikman
Sideline: Lisa Salters
WATCH ON MOBILE: NFL+
Fans can watch live out-of-market preseason games through NFL+, the NFL's new exclusive streaming subscription service. An NFL+ subscription also includes the ability to stream live local and prime-time games on mobile and tablet devices, as well as live game audio (home, away and national calls) for every game of the season. NFL+ Premium subscriptions also include full game replays across devices.
LISTEN LIVE
LOCAL ENGLISH RADIO (KOA - 850 AM/94.1 FM)
Play-by-Play: Dave Logan
Analyst: Rick Lewis
Sideline: Susie Wargin
NATIONAL RADIO (WESTWOOD ONE)
Play-by-Play: Kevin Harlan
Analyst: Kurt Warner
SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS
Follow the Broncos for live game-day updates, videos and behind-the-scenes photos:
Instagram: @Broncos
Twitter: @Broncos
Facebook: Denver Broncos
