LOS ANGELES — Broncos right guard Quinn Meinerz was released from a Los Angeles-area hospital Monday and is returning to Denver.
Head coach Sean Payton on Monday morning didn’t say much more than that, but confirmed, “Quinn will be back today. That’s really the update we have.”
Meinerz reported chest tightness and shortness of breath to the Denver training staff around halftime of Sunday’s 24-7 Broncos win over the Los Angeles Chargers and was transported to a local hospital as a precaution, sources told The Denver Post. Meinerz had an elevated heart rate, and his doctors decided to keep him for overnight observation rather than clearing him to return to Denver with the team after the game.
Players after the game expressed confidence that Meinerz was in good spirits. Payton acknowledged similar Monday when he was answering a question about second-year guard Luke Wattenberg, who filled in ably for Meinerz in the second half Sunday.
“Certainly relieved that Quinn is healthy and is going to be fine,” Payton said.
The rest of Payton’s summation regarding Wattenberg, a fifth-round pick out of Washington in 2022, showed the confidence he has overall in Denver’s depth up front.
“We feel like we’ve got a really strong developmental group of offensive linemen,” Payton said. “They’re smart and tough, and they’ve got the traits we’re looking for. He’s done a good job and I thought he played well coming in in a moment like that. I’m pleased with our depth there.”
Williams reacts to first rushing TD in two years: Broncos running back Javonte Williams has truly reaped the benefits of the work he put in during his rehab from a torn ACL suffered last season. In the first quarter on Sunday, Williams recorded his first rushing touchdown since 2021. Even though Williams has two touchdown receptions in 2023, being able to score off a handoff was a special feeling for the former North Carolina standout.
“It felt good just (because of) all the hard work that I’ve put in to get to the spot I’m in now,” said Williams.
Williams had a solid performance against the Chargers, rushing for 66 yards on 17 carries. This season, he has 650 rushing yards while averaging 3.8 yards per attempt despite suffering a season-ending knee injury in October 2022. He was recently named the team’s 2023 Ed Block Courage Award winner for his dedication and approach to the rehab process.
Want more Broncos news? Sign up for the Broncos Insider to get all our NFL analysis.
