Kareem Jackson’s return to game action will have to wait.
The Broncos did not activate the 35-year-old safety ahead of Sunday night’s game against the New England Patriots, as they opted to use his one-game exemption following his return from a four-game suspension.
This week, Jackson returned to the field for the first time since the league decided to punish him for his hit on Vikings quarterback Josh Dobbs in Week 10. Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph said Thursday that Jackson was in the process of getting his body back into football shape.
Denver has until Monday to activate him to the roster.
With Jackson not playing, safety P.J. Locke will remain the starter alongside Justin Simmons. Locke totaled 26 tackles, three sacks and two forced fumbles while Jackson was suspended.
In other roster moves, Denver elevated outside linebacker Ronnie Perkins and quarterback Ben DiNucci from the practice squad. Perkins should provide depth on the edge with second-year outside linebacker Nik Bonitto sidelined for the second week due to an MCL injury.
DiNucci has been elevated for the third time this season, but was not active the previous two times Denver brought him up from the practice squad.
Branch fined for hit on Trautman: Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch was fined $8,103 for his helmet hit on Broncos tight end Adam Trautman in the first quarter of last week’s matchup. Branch’s hit was not penalized on the field.
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