Broncos lose key defenders, Herbert stays put, AFC West roundup

There were no games in the AFC West yesterday, but it was a busy news day off the field, especially for the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers.

Denver Broncos: defensive setbacks and Kareem Jackson’s retirement

Heading into Week 6, the 3-2 Broncos will be shorthanded on defense. CBS Sports’ injury report lists Patrick Surtain and Talanoa Hufanga as ruled out for this week. CBS Sports also notes that Talanoa Hufanga is expected to miss multiple weeks with an ankle injury, echoing Pro Football Rumors, which reports that the defensive back has not practiced this week.

Pro Football Rumors adds that ankle issues have become a recurring problem in Denver. After placing Pat Bryant on injured reserve, the Broncos already had to play without Surtain in Week 5 and are now preparing to line up again without their top corner, as well as Hufanga.

On the longer-term front, a familiar face on Denver’s defense is walking away. According to Pro Football Rumors, defensive back Kareem Jackson is retiring, with the Broncos announcing that he is hanging it up as a member of the organization. Jackson had not seen the field since the 2024 season and had joined Denver’s staff before making his decision official.

From a short-term perspective, the outlook is challenging as well. CBS Sports notes that Pete Prisco is picking the Seattle Seahawks to beat the Broncos on Thursday night in his Week 6 predictions, underscoring the test awaiting this depleted Denver defense.

Los Angeles Chargers: Herbert off the trade block, Tuipulotu watched

At 0-5, the Chargers’ record naturally fuels speculation, but the team is not entertaining its most dramatic scenario. Pro Football Rumors reports that Los Angeles is not considering a Justin Herbert trade. The outlet points out that multiple quarterbacks have netted packages including more than one first-round pick since 2000, but indicates that is not the direction the Chargers are taking.

According to Pro Football Rumors, defensive player Tuli Tuipulotu is instead a name likely to draw interest around the league, though there is no report of any concrete movement yet. On the roster front, Pro Football Rumors also notes that the Chargers have placed tight end Evan Svoboda on injured reserve, another hit for a team already struggling.

Chiefs and Raiders quiet, top of division still tight

The Kansas City Chiefs (4-0) and Las Vegas Raiders (3-2) did not generate headlines yesterday, but the standings remain tight behind the defending division champions. With Denver also at 3-2, the race atop the AFC West figures to stay competitive as midseason approaches, even if yesterday’s news cycle focused more on Denver’s depth being tested and the Chargers’ long-term outlook.