Broncos lose safety Brandon Jones to hamstring injury

Denver Broncos safety Brandon Jones left the field against the Kansas City Chiefs with a hamstring injury and will not return for the second half. The team confirmed his absence after he spent the first half alternating between playing snaps and riding a stationary bike on the sideline.

Jones was listed as questionable before the game after missing Thursday's practice session. He returned to practice on Friday in a limited capacity but struggled to maintain consistency during the first 30 minutes of Sunday's contest.

With Jones out, the Broncos are down both starting safeties for the rest of the game. Reserves Taylor Rapp and Devon Key are expected to take over the role. The team also has options in Tycen Anderson and J.L. Skinner, though both players have primarily handled special teams duties throughout their careers.

Jahdae Barron, who played limited safety snaps at the University of Texas, is another potential option for the backfield. The defensive adjustment comes after a strong offensive performance by Kansas City.

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes threw for nearly 200 yards in the first half. That total included a 73-yard touchdown pass to rookie Emmett Johnson. The Broncos will attempt to defend against Mahomes' arm strength without their original two safety starters.