Denver Broncos

Broncos at Bengals: Week 3 inactives

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

Tyler Eifert is still out for the Cincinnati Bengals. The star tight end is a major loss as Cincy prepares to face the Denver Broncos in Week 3.

Eifert’s ability to work the middle and stretch the seams would have made him an asset against Denver’s man-coverage schemes.

The Bengals confirmed the full list of inactives via Twitter. One more notable name is rookie cornerback KeiVarae Russell. A third-round pick of the Kansas City Chiefs, Russell might have helped a stretch secondary cope with the absence of William Jackson III, Cincinnati’s injured 2016 first-round draftee.

It might still be difficult for the Broncos to exploit any weaknesses in the Bengals secondary. First-year starting quarterback Trevor Siemian has so far struggled to get on the same page as his wide receivers.

As for Cincy passer Andy Dalton, he’ll miss Eifert. Now the Broncos’ defense can focus its efforts on shutting down Bengals star wide receiver A.J. Green.

It’s welcome news for a unit set to miss veteran edge-rusher DeMarcus Ware. The Broncos still boast a fearsome pass rush, though, one led by Von Miller.

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However, the biggest misses for the Broncos involve their offense. Both tight end Virgil Green, a potential matchup problem for Cincinnati’s linebackers, is out. So is right tackle Donald Stephenson, according to Ben Swanson of the team’s official site.

Green would have been an invaluable mid-range target and safety valve for Siemian. But Stephenson’s loss may have the bigger impact on the game.

The Bengals feature a deep and talented defensive line capable of bringing the heat from all angles. In particular, ends Michael Johnson and Carlos Dunlap can create havoc off the edges.

Stephenson has also been an asset for an improved running game through two games. He’s been very effective getting to the second level and absorbing defenders in Denver’s zone-blocking scheme.

Running back C.J. Anderson has been the beneficiary. He’s the Broncos best weapon on the road in Cincinnati, and he’ll miss Stephenson the most.