D.J.

Jones

Also DNP for the Broncos was DT D.J. Jones. LB Baron Browning, DT Mike Purcell, S Justin Simmons, and LB Justin Strnad were all limited. Denver’s defense has struggled this season and getting all these defenders back to full health will be key. Clark and company will work to play for Week 6 against the Chiefs on Thursday.

He got in a limited session after missing practice on Thursday with this new shoulder injury. Kansas City’s running backs could find more space to operate if Jones is ruled out.

He was added with the injury today after a full practice yesterday. If Jones -- who got a huge contract this offseason to help control the run -- misses time, the Chiefs running backs could be in line for a bit of a matchup boost against Denver this week.

He did pass the concussion protocol according to Nathaniel Hackett, so it looks like he’s on the optimistic side of questionable. His return will not be a welcome sight for anyone expecting good things for Josh Jacobs and the rest of Vegas’ run game.

Denver’s major offseason nose tackle investment has missed back-to-back practices with a concussion suffered on Sunday Night Football. He appears to be on the doubtful side of questionable for Week 4’s game against the Raiders.

Jones got a three-year, $30 million contract in the offseason as Denver’s primary run stuffer. He had one pass defensed before leaving. They’re likely evaluating him for a concussion.

The interior defensive lineman market has been hot Monday, the first day of free agency. In Jones, the Broncos get a natural replacement for DT Shelby Harris, who was traded to the Seahawks in the Russell Wilson deal. Jones turned 27 in January and appeared in all 17 games for the Niners last year, registering two sacks and grading out as Pro Football Focus’ No. 20 interior defensive lineman with strong marks in run defense and pass rushing.

Jones was the starting one-technique on the 49ers’ star-filled defensive line. San Francisco will be trotting out Jones, DT Javon Kinlaw, DE Nick Bosa, and DE Arik Armstead this upcoming season. The talent is there for a bounce-back campaign. Jones will be 26 years old.

The move will be made official Tuesday afternoon. Also coming off the COVID list and rejoining Aiyuk on the 53-man roster will be DT D.J. Jones, TE Daniel Helm and DL Jordan Willis. Aiyuk, who had three straight 75-yard games before catching the coronavirus, has not played since Week 10. Deebo Samuel returned from injury in Week 12 and had a monster game, though Samuel and Aiyuk are utilized differently in coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense. He gets more “pure receiver” looks, with Samuel a YAC slasher. Aiyuk will offer some WR3 value for Week 13 against the Bills.

Jones suffered a severe high-ankle sprain in December but says he has been 100 percent healthy since April. A strict nose tackle to this point in his career, Jones was hoping for a bigger role after the Niners traded DeForest Buckner, but Javon Kinlaw’s selection at No. 14 curbed Jones’ 2020 upside. He should remain in the 300-snap range.