P.J. Locke Injury News & Updates
Keep up with the latest injuries from the Jaguars vs Broncos game on Sunday with our National Football League injury report.Nov 6, 2025
Set to play Thursday
Locke (neck) is active for Thursday's Week 10 matchup against Las Vegas.
ANALYSIS
Locke missed last Sunday's win over Houston due to a neck issue, but it appears that his absence won't extend beyond one game. Locke's return will most impact Denver's special-teams unit, as the safety logged just 12 defensive snaps (as opposed to 128 snaps on special teams) over the club's first eight contests.
Nov 5, 2025
Questionable to play Thursday
Locke (neck) is questionable to play in Thursday night's contest against the Raiders.
ANALYSIS
Locke was able to improve from a non-participant to a full participant at the team's three walkthroughs this week, but he'll ultimately enter Week 10 with an injury designation. The safety missed the team's Week 9 win over the Texans, but his absence carried the greatest impact with the team's special-teams unit.
Oct 31, 2025
Sidelined by neck injury
Locke (neck) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Texans.
ANALYSIS
Locke seemingly suffered the injury during Denver's Week 8 win over the Cowboys, as he began the week with a limited practice session. However, he was unable to practice Friday and will now miss his first game of the season. Locke has played almost exclusively on special teams.
Jul 23, 2025
Participating in training camp
Locke (back) participated in Denver's training camp session Wednesday, Zac Stevens of TheDNVR.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Locke is healthy again after having undergone spinal fusion surgery earlier in the offseason. He recorded 74 tackles (50 solo), with 1.0 sacks, across 15 games last season but could see a reduced role during the upcoming campaign as Talonoa Hufanga will likely replace him as the team's starting strong safety.
Jul 2, 2025
Recovering from surgery
Locke underwent spinal fusion surgery during the offseason and is still recovering, he recently disclosed on his YouTube channel.
ANALYSIS
Locke played through the back injury during the 2024 season and managed to play 982 total snaps despite dealing with considerable pain. His ability to return to the field was in question, but Locke said that his pain levels are minimal and he hopes to be cleared for training camp.
Jan 22, 2025
Posts 74 stops in 2024
Locke recorded 74 total tackles (50 solo), including 1.0 sacks, two passes defended and one forced fumble over 15 regular-season games in 2024.
ANALYSIS
Locke's tackle total rose for the fifth consecutive season in 2024, tallying 21 more stops than he did in 2023. However, despite playing 425 additional defensive snaps, the Texas product recorded fewer passes defended, interceptions and forced fumbles this season compared to last, leaving plenty of room for improvement. Locke is expected to remain in Denver in 2025, having signed a two-year, $7 million extension with the team last offseason. He'll likely have the opportunity to compete for one the Broncos' starting safety spots again throughout the offseason.
Dec 30, 2024
Tallies nine tackles vs. Cincy
Locke registered nine tackles (six solo) during Denver's 30-24 overtime loss to Cincinnati on Saturday.
ANALYSIS
Locke played a season-high 79 defensive snaps Saturday, and he finished as the Broncos' third-leading tackler behind Riley Moss (14) and Brandon Jones (13). Locke is up to a career-high 74 tackles (50 solo) through 14 games, and he'll look to add to his total in Denver's regular-season finale against Kansas City on Sunday.
Dec 3, 2024
Logs six stops Monday
Locke posted six tackles (five solo) in Monday's 41-32 Week 13 win against the Browns.
ANALYSIS
Locke ranked third on Denver in stops in the wild win. The veteran safety has posted at least six tackles in four of his past six games. His tackle total Monday pushed him to 57 on the season, establishing a new career-high mark.
Nov 25, 2024
Makes six tackles in win
Locke recorded six tackles (five solo) in Sunday's 29-19 win over the Raiders.
ANALYSIS
The starting safety has taken on a bigger role for Denver in his fifth season, playing on a career-high 623 defensive snaps. He also has 51 tackles (35 solo), two shy of his career-best mark in that category as well.
Nov 12, 2024
Records seven stops Sunday
Locke tallied seven tackles (four solo) in Sunday's Week 10 loss to Kansas City.
ANALYSIS
Locke returned from a two-week absence due to a thumb injury and played all but one of Denver's defensive snaps. He finished third on the team in stops, tying his second-highest mark of the campaign. On the season, Locke has posted 44 tackles (30 solo) and two defensed passes through eight contests.
Nov 6, 2024
Practices in full Wednesday
Locke (thumb) was a full practice participant Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
Locke was unable to play in the the Broncos' last two regular-season games due to a left thumb injury. However, he appears to be over the issue and was able to practice without limitations Wednesday. Unless he suffers a setback, Locke should be able to return from a two-game absence and play against the Chiefs on Sunday. Across seven regular-season outings, Locke has logged 37 tackles (26 solo), including 1.0 sacks, and two pass breakups.
Nov 1, 2024
Ruled out for Week 9
Locke (thumb) has been ruled out for Sunday's matchup with the Ravens, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM NFL Radio reports.
ANALYSIS
Locke was spotted with a splint on his left thumb Wednesday and he will now be forced to miss his first contest of the year after failing to practice during the week. In Locke's absence, JL Skinner will likely draw the start at strong safety against Baltimore.
Oct 30, 2024
Has left thumb in splint
Locke was seen with a splint on his left thumb Wednesday and he did not participate in practice, Chris Tomasson of The Denver Gazette reports.
ANALYSIS
Locke may have picked up the injury during the Broncos' Week 7 win over the Saints. He ended last week with back-to-back DNPs, which forced him to sit during Denver's Week 8 win over Carolina. Unless he's able to shed the splint and increase his practice participation over the next two days, it appears Locke will be unable to play Sunday against Baltimore. In Locke's absence in Week 8, Ja'Quan McMillan was listed on the Broncos' starting defense and finished with three tackles (two solo) and one interception.
Oct 27, 2024
Won't play vs. Carolina
Locke (thumb) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Panthers.
ANALYSIS
Locke logged consecutive DNPs to end the week, and he will miss his first game of the regular season due to a thumb injury. With Locke sidelined, Devon Key and JL Skinner are the top two candidates to draw the start at strong safety alongside free safety Brandon Jones.
Oct 25, 2024
Unlikely to play vs. Carolina
Locke (thumb) did not practice Friday and is listed as doubtful ahead of Sunday's game against the Panthers, Parker Gabriel of The Denver Post reports.
ANALYSIS
Locke opened the week as a limited practice participant due to a thumb injury, but he ended the week with back-to-back DNPs and appears unlikely to play Sunday. If he's indeed inactive, Devon Key would have the slight edge over JL Skinner to start at strong safety alongside free safety Brandon Jones, though Ja'Quan McMillan could also see an uptick in snaps as the nickel corner.
Sep 30, 2024
Double-digit stops in Week 4
Locke logged 10 total tackles (eight solo), including 1.0 sacks, during Sunday's 10-9 win over the Jets.
ANALYSIS
The Texas product was all over the field during Denver's Week 4 win, leading the team in total tackles while also being one of six Broncos to bring down Aaron Rodgers. Locke has now accumulated 21 total tackles, including 1.0 sacks, and defended one pass across the Broncos' first four contests. He's projected to continue making plays in Denver's secondary as the season progresses.
Mar 9, 2024
Staying with Broncos
Locke and the Broncos agreed on a two-year, $7 million contract with a maximum value of $9 million Saturday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
Locke had a career year in 2023, recording 53 tackles, including 3.0 sacks, while intercepting a pass, deflecting five others and forcing two fumbles over 12 contests with Denver. The 27-year-old is the frontrunner to operate as the Broncos' starting strong safety in 2024.
Feb 13, 2024
Tallies 53 tackles in 2023
Locke made 53 tackles (33 solo) to go with three sacks, five passes defended, one interception and two forced fumbles while playing in 12 games across the 2023 season.
ANALYSIS
Locke set career highs in tackles, sacks, passes defended and interceptions during the 2023 campaign. With fellow safety Kareem Jackson serving two suspensions during the season, Locke was thrust into a starting role for several games and made the most of his opportunities. The 27-year-old will now enter free agency this offseason, but the Broncos could look to offer him a new contract based on his performance in 2023 and the fact that they waived Jackson before the end of the season.
Dec 26, 2023
Records nine stops in Week 16 loss
Locke totaled nine tackles (five solo) Sunday in a loss to New England.
ANALYSIS
Locked play all 56 of Denver's defensive snaps Sunday and recorded a season-high nine stops. Kareem Jackson completed his four-game suspension ahead of the contest, but the Broncos chose not to activate him and then elected to waive him Monday. That should lock Locke into a starting safety role alongside Justin Simmons for the remainder of the campaign.
Dec 16, 2023
Officially playing Saturday
Locke (neck) is active to face Detroit on Saturday night, Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Locke sat out of practice Tuesday and Wednesday but was able to log a limited session Thursday. That will be enough for him to suit up against the Lions for a key Week 15 matchup. Locke has seen his role increase over the past three weeks, working as the starter and compiling 22 total tackles over that span. He's also recorded one sack in each of the three contests.
Dec 16, 2023
Expected to play Saturday
Locke (neck) is expected to play Saturday against the Lions despite his questionable tag, James Palmer of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
The starting safety will be watched during pregame warmups just to make sure he's good to go, per Palmer. Locke suffered the injury during the Broncos' Week 14 win over the Chargers but returned to practice Thursday. The fourth-year pro has 30 tackles, including three sacks, and three passes defensed, an interception and two forced fumbles in eight games this season.
Dec 14, 2023
Questionable for Week 15
Locke (neck) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Lions, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Locke returned to practice in limited fashion Thursday after missing practice Wednesday and being estimated as a nonparticipant Tuesday. The veteran safety sustained the neck injury during Week 14 against the Chargers, and his status is now up in the air for a Week 15 matchup with the Lions.
Dec 13, 2023
Misses practice Wednesday
Locke (neck) did not participate in Wednesday's practice, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Locke was also listed as a DNP for the team's estimated practice report Tuesday. It appears he sustained the neck injury at some point during Sunday's 24-7 win over the Chargers. Locke has moved into the starting strong safety role with Kareem Jackson serving a four-game suspension, and the former has 30 tackles (18 solo), including three sacks, one interception and two forced fumbles in eight games this season.
Dec 11, 2023
Third straight game with a sack
Locke had seven tackles (two solo), including one sack, and a forced fumble in Sunday's 24-7 victory over the Chargers.
ANALYSIS
With Kareem Jackson still serving his suspension, Locke was able to register seven-plus tackles and a sack for the third straight game, and his 66 defensive snaps was the most he's played this season. He got a strip sack on backup quarterback Easton Stick late in the fourth quarter, which teammate Josey Jewell recovered. Over his last three games, Locke has 22 tackles (13 solo), including three sacks, two pass deflections and two forced fumbles.
Dec 5, 2023
Records eight tackles in loss
Locke recorded eight tackles (six solo), including one sack in Sunday's 22-17 loss to the Texans.
ANALYSIS
With his eight total tackles in Week 13, Locke topped his former season-high mark of seven tackles set just one week earlier. The veteran safety also recorded a sack for the second straight week. Locke is making the most of his opportunity with Kareem Jackson continuing to serve a suspension. The 26-year-old is proving to be a reliable member of Denver's defense with the ability to make impact plays. Locke and the the Broncos' are set to visit the Chargers in Week 14.
Nov 28, 2023
Productive against Browns
Locke recorded seven tackles (five solo), one sack, one pass defended and one forced fumble in Sunday's 29-12 win over the Browns.
ANALYSIS
Locke's seven total tackles were a season-high and his sack and forced fumble were both firsts for him in the 2023 campaign. The veteran safety saw increased playing time with Kareem Jackson out for the game due to a suspension. With Jackson's suspension continuing for the next three games, Locke should continue to operate as Denver's starting strong safety. The 26-year-old will look to build off this momentum when the Broncos visit the Texans in Week 13.
Nov 26, 2023
Active Sunday
Locke (ankle) is active for Sunday's game against the Browns.
ANALYSIS
The safety should get a chance to start with Kareem Jackson out for the next four games due to a suspension. Locke missed the team's Week 11 win over the Vikings after hurting his ankle the previous week against the Bills. The fourth-year pro has eight tackles, a pass defensed and an interception in 2023.
Nov 24, 2023
Iffy for Week 12
Locke (ankle) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Browns.
ANALYSIS
Locke was able to upgrade to a full participant for Friday's practice, which indicates that he's on track to make his return after sitting out for Week 11. If Locke plays, he'll likely slot back in as the starting strong safety with Kareem Jackson out for the next four games while serving a suspension for violating player safety rules.
Nov 23, 2023
Limited Thursday
Locke (ankle) was a limited participant at Thursday's practice, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Locke is in danger of missing two straight games after injuring his ankle in Week 10. More clarity on his status heading into Week 12 will come with Friday's injury report.
Nov 17, 2023
Will sit out Week 11
Locke (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's contest versus Minnesota.
ANALYSIS
Locke hurt his ankle in the second half of this past Monday's game versus Buffalo and wasn't able to practice at all this week. He'll consequently be forced to sit out against the Vikings in Week 11. Locke had been filling in for Kareem Jackson during the latter's two-game suspension, but Jackson is eligible to return this week, softening the impact of Locke's absence.
Nov 14, 2023
Spotted in walking boot
Locke, who left Monday's win over the Bills early with an ankle injury, was wearing a walking boot after the game, Parker Gabriel of The Denver Post reports.
ANALYSIS
Locke said he thought he'd be OK after the game, according to Gabriel, but the 26-year-old should still be considered questionable at this point for their Week 11 matchup with the Vikings.
Nov 13, 2023
Downgraded to out
Locke (ankle) has been downgraded to out for the remainder of Monday's matchup with the Bills, Nick Kosmider of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Locke was originally given a questionable tag, but the Broncos will ultimately err on the side of caution. In his absence, Delarrin Turner-Yell is a prime candidate to fill in at safety.
Nov 13, 2023
Questionable to return
Locke (ankle) is questionable to return versus the Bills on Sunday, Parker Gabriel of The Denver Post reports.
ANALYSIS
Locke hurt his ankle in the second half and is now questionable to return. If the 26-year-old is unable to return, Delarrin Turner-Yell should see more playing time.
Oct 25, 2023
Role to increase
Locke is expected to start at safety the next two game while Kareem Jackson (suspension) is sidelined, Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com/a> reports.
ANALYSIS
Locke has suited up for the Broncos' three previous games, but never surpassed more than 23 percent of the defensive snaps. That came in Denver's 19-17 win over the Packers in Week 7 after Jackson was disqualified from the game. He recorded three tackles (one solo) in the contest. Look for him to see a regular starting workload against the Chiefs and Bills over the next two games.
Oct 7, 2023
Activated Saturday
Locke (leg) was activated from injured reserve Saturday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
Locke was carted off the field during training camp with a leg injury, and it seems as if he's since had enough time to move past the issue. The 26-year-old's snap share on defense has increased each of the three years he's been in the NFL, but he's played primarily on special teams for Denver.
Oct 4, 2023
Designated to return from IR
Locke (leg) was designated to return from injured reserve Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
Locke was carted off the practice field with a lower leg injury back on Aug. 15 and opened the season on injured reserve for the Broncos. He appeared in 47 games over the previous three seasons and will look to carve out a role as a third safety behind Justin Simmons and Kareem Jackson in Denver's defensive backfield. The Broncos will have 21 days to activate Locke.
Aug 31, 2023
Headed to IR
The Broncos placed Locke (leg) on injured reserve Thursday, Aric DiLalla of the team's official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Locke was carted off the practice field on Aug. 15 with a lower leg injury. He'll now be required to miss the first four games of the 2023 season.
Aug 15, 2023
Injury considered minor
Coach Sean Payton said Locke (leg) is "going to be fine" after leaving Tuesday's practice, Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Locke was carted off the field Tuesday but appears to have avoided a serious injury. He's a key reserve on the back end of the defense and a mainstay on special teams.
Aug 15, 2023
Carted off with leg injury
Locke was carted off the practice field with an apparent lower leg injury Tuesday, Mike Klis of 9News Denver reports.
ANALYSIS
Locke is one of Denver's top reserves at safety and a staple on special teams. He played a career-high 111 defensive snaps last season and 76% of the special teams plays, registering 22 tackles.
Mar 16, 2023
Stays in Denver
Locke re-signed with the Broncos on Thursday, Mike Klis of 9News Denver reports.
ANALYSIS
Locke was non-tendered by the Broncos in restricted free agency, but he still returned to the team on a new deal. Entering his fourth season in the NFL, Locke has served primarily on special teams and as depth in the secondary. He had his best statistical season in 2022, posting 22 total tackles, one pass defended and two forced fumbles.
Jan 7, 2023
Not on injury report
Locke (ankle) is not listed on the Broncos' injury report ahead of Sunday's regular-season finale against the Chargers.
ANALYSIS
Locke injured his ankle in Week 17, but it looks like the issue is not serious enough to keep him sidelined. Look for him to take on his usual role providing depth in the secondary assuming he avoids any setbacks.
Jan 1, 2023
Exits versus Kansas City
Locke is questionable to return to Sunday's game versus the Chiefs with an ankle injury.
ANALYSIS
Locke did not log a defensive statistic going down and be tended on the field late in the fourth quarter, according to Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site. With the 25-year-old sidelined, Denver will be left with three available safeties for the time being.
Nov 13, 2022
Starting chance awaits
Locke is expected to start at safety in Sunday's game against the Titans, Benjamin Allbright of KOA 850 AM Denver reports.
ANALYSIS
With Caden Sterns (hip) on injured reserve and Justin Simmons (knee) listed as questionable for the Week 10 contest but in line to sit out, Locke and Kareem Jackson are expected to form Denver's starting safety tandem. Locke hasn't played more than 22 percent of the Broncos' defensive snaps in any of his seven appearances this season, but he'll be in store for a big uptick in playing time Sunday.
Oct 13, 2022
Returns to practice Thursday
Locke (concussion) was listed as a full participant at practice Thursday, Mike Klis of 9News Denver reports.
ANALYSIS
Locke was forced to miss Thursday's contest against the Colts after suffering a concussion in the Broncos' Week 4 matchup with the Raiders. With the safety returning to a full practice Thursday, it's safe to assume Locke passed through concussion protocols and will likely be available Monday for a depth role behind Caden Sterns.
Oct 5, 2022
Remains in protocols
Locke (concussion) will not play Thursday against the Colts, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Locke has still not been cleared through concussion protocols after suffering one Sunday against the Raiders. His absence will currently leave only Delarrin Turner-Yell behind starters Kareem Jackson and Caden Sterns at the safety positions.
Oct 2, 2022
Leaves with injury
Locke has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's contest against the Raiders with a concussion.
ANALYSIS
Locke's absence will leave the Broncos light on depth at safety, leaving Delarrin Turner-Yell as the only reserve at the position. With a short week and Thursday contest against the Colts looming, Locke will need to move through concussion protocols quickly to not be out for Week 5.
Mar 14, 2022
Tendered by Broncos
The Broncos extended a contract tender to Locke on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Locke appeared in 16 games for the Broncos last year and recorded six tackles (five solo). Even if he earns a roster spot ahead of the 2022 season, he's unlikely to play a significant role in the team's defensive unit.
Dec 19, 2021
Back from COVID list
Locke (undisclosed) was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Locke landed on the COVID list last week and will rejoin the active roster ahead of Week 15. The 24-year-old should fill a reserve role in the secondary now that he's cleared to play.
Dec 10, 2021
Placed on COVID list
Locke was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Friday, Ryan O'Halloran of The Denver Post reports.
ANALYSIS
Locke and running back Mike Boone were both placed in COVID-19 protocol after Boone reported that he wasn't feeling well during Friday's practice. Both will be hard-pressed to gain clearance in time to face the Lions on Sunday and could be looking at an additional absence after that as well.
Nov 25, 2021
Not on injury report
Locke (leg) was not on Wednesday's injury report, George Stoia III of The Denver Gazette reports.
ANALYSIS
Locke picked up the injury Week 10 against the Eagles but seems to have made a complete recovery over the bye. He should be available as depth in the Broncos secondary Sunday.
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