Broncos GM George Paton suggested Thursday that he isn't worried about Sutton's absence from voluntary offseason workouts, Zac Stevens of TheDNVR.com reports. "It's 100 percent voluntary," Paton said. "It's the first week of the offseason program. I've talked to Courtland. He's in a good place, and I'll just leave it at that."

EDGE Analysis

Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported Tuesday that Sutton's absence from voluntary OTAs is related to wanting a new contract. The wideout has two years and approximately $27.6 million remaining on his current deal, with only $2 million of that guaranteed. It's not the type of situation with especially high risk for a holdout, and Sutton looks to be especially important for Denver's offense after the team traded WR Jerry Jeudy to Cleveland in the offseason. It's not yet clear who will start across from Sutton at wide receiver, nor is it clear who will get the nod under center Week 1. The Broncos still have a lot to work out this spring and summer, with the upcoming NFL Draft presumably being a piece of that puzzle.

Sutton wants a new contract and hasn't reported to voluntary OTAs, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

Sutton has two seasons remaining on a four-year, $60 million extension, scheduled for a $13 million base salary in 2024 ($2 million guaranteed) and then $13.5 million in 2025 (no guarantees). He scored a career-high 10 touchdowns in 16 games last season, though 90 targets were his fewest since 2020 -- the year he suffered an ACL tear Week 1 -- and he still hasn't come close to matching his career-high 1,112 yards from 2019. The 28-year-old won't necessarily hold out from mandatory team activities later this spring, but the situation is at least worth keeping an eye on until he gets an extension or contract adjustment, or otherwise reports to the Broncos. There's been no indication of his Week 18 ankle injury lingering into the offseason, with the main concern at this point being the lack of a starting-caliber QB on Denver's roster. The team also appears thin at wide receiver, where the starting job across from Sutton could end up going to any of Josh Reynolds, Marvin Mims, Tim Patrick (Achilles) or Brandon Johnson.

Sutton played 28 snaps on offense and caught one of four targets for two yards in Sunday's 27-14 loss to the Raiders before departing with an ankle injury.

EDGE Analysis

Though the ankle injury spelled an early end to his final appearance of the season, the veteran wideout will presumably be fully healthy for Denver's offseason program. Sutton finished the 2023 campaign with team highs in both catches (59) and receiving yards (772) while also scoring a career-high 10 touchdowns in 16 appearances. The 28-year-old operated as the team's No. 1 receiver and a focal point of their passing game, leading Denver with 90 targets and 48.3 receiving yards per game. Sutton's fantasy outlook heading into 2024 will hinge on how Denver elects to address the quarterback position, as the team is expected to part ways with Russell Wilson in the offseason.

Sutton exited Sunday's game against the Raiders due to an ankle injury, Ryan McFadden of The Denver Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Prior to being forced out of the contest, Sutton had caught one of his four targets for two yards. While he is sidelined, Jerry Jeudy, Marvin Mims, Brandon Johnson and Lil'Jordan Humphrey are available to handle the Broncos' Week 18 wideout duties.

Sutton (concussion) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Raiders.

EDGE Analysis

Sutton's lack of injury designation suggests he has cleared the NFL's five-step concussion protocol. He missed the Week 17 win over the Chargers and was limited in practice Wednesday but upgraded to full participation Thursday and Friday. Sutton caught 10 touchdown passes from Russell Wilson in 15 games prior to getting injured, but he'll have Jarrett Stidham as his quarterback for the season finale with Wilson benched.

Sutton (concussion) was a full participant in practice Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Sutton sat out the Broncos' Week 17 win over the Chargers after suffering a concussion in a Week 16 loss to New England, but he appears to be working toward a return to action for this Sunday's season finale in Las Vegas. After practicing in limited fashion Wednesday, Sutton demonstrated progress by taking every rep Thursday, indicating that he's been cleared for contact. Before getting the green light to play Sunday, Sutton will still need to get clearance from an independent neurologist prior to being removed from the five-step concussion protocol, something that could happen Friday or Saturday.

Sutton (concussion) was limited at practice Wednesday, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Sutton didn't practice at all last week before being ruled out for Broncos' Week 17 win over the Chargers. The wideout's return to a limited session Wednesday has him trending in the right direction ahead of Sunday's season finale against the Raiders, but with Denver eliminated from playoff contention the team has little incentive to play Sutton this weekend if there's any doubt about his status as Week 18 action approaches.

Coach Sean Payton said Friday that Sutton (concussion) won't play Sunday against the Chargers, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Sutton departed in the first half of this past Sunday's loss to the Patriots and eventually was diagnosed with a concussion. He proceeded to miss practice both Wednesday and Thursday before the Broncos made a decision on his availability for Week 17. With Sutton sitting out Sunday, the Broncos' receiving corps should be paced by Jerry Jeudy, with Brandon Johnson, Lil'Jordan Humphrey and potentially Marvin Mims (hamstring) mixing in behind him.

Sutton (concussion) remained sidelined at practice Thursday, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Sutton thus has one more chance to practice ahead of Sunday's game against the Chargers. If he's unable to gain clearance to play this weekend, Jerry Jeudy, Marvin Mims (hamstring), Brandon Johnson and Lil'Jordan Humphrey would profile as quarterback Jarrett Stidham's top targets at receiver in Week 17.

Sutton (concussion) didn't practice Wednesday, Ryan McFadden of The Denver Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Sutton's absence is to be expected less than 72 hours after he suffered a concussion in the first half of Sunday night's loss to the Patriots. He'll catch passes from Jarrett Stidham rather than Russell Wilson if he clears the concussion protocol in time for a matchup with the Chargers this Sunday.