Broncos offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur began his coaching career in 1988, meaning he did not run into many first places. But being tested positive for COVID-19 on Nov. 12 meant he missed the Broncos’ loss to Philadelphia.
“It was actually the first four days of work I’ve ever missed as a coach, so that part was frustrating,” Shurmur said before training on Thursday morning.
Shurmur’s positive test came back one Friday morning, and his wife, Jennifer, also got the virus.
“Once you’re in the protocol, you’re in a kind of lockdown,” Pat said. “We sat there and watched the match.… The guys were fighting. We just weren’t playing enough. I was obviously messing with them.”
Shurmur said the Broncos’ coaches “basically had our plan ready to go” when he was sent home from the facility. He remained involved in the coaches’ meetings via Zoom video conferencing.
Was it a helpless feeling to see from home?
“To some degree,” Shurmur said. “I think (quarterback coach) Mike (Shula) did a great job of filling in. He’s called plays before and everyone else hit where they should.”
Chubb “really 50-50.” Outside linebacker Bradley Chubb underwent his third training session since starting his return-from-injury-reserve-watch.
“He did well (Wednesday),” coach Vic Fangio said before training. “Hopefully he picks it up (Thursday) and feels good again and takes some more steps. He really wants to be 50-50, whether he plays (Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers) or not.”
Chubb has not played since Week 2 in Jacksonville, departing after 19 shots, and he underwent surgery on an ankle on Sept. 22.
Fangio said that if Chubb is active against the Chargers, he will be in a moment, but hopes it would be more than 12-15 plays.
Chargers coach Brandon Staley was the Broncos’ outside linebackers coach in 2019, when Chubb played the first four games before getting a torn ACL. Still, that season left an impression on Staley.
“Bradley Chubb means a lot to my family and I, and he’s one of my favorite players I’ve ever trained,” Staley said. “I have as much confidence in him as any player I have ever trained. I have so much faith in what type of player he is, what type of person he is, what type of competitor he is. I would not be here without him We’re still very close.
“I only managed to play four matches with him and that is one of the big regrets I have as a coach. … I know what he means for that team, for that city, for that locker room. … I look forward to him getting back on the field where he belongs. He’s one of the best rushers in the game and I’m just praying he comes back soon. He is the best of the best. “
Map. Safety Kareem Jackson (neck-shoulder) has missed all three workouts this week and left tackle Garett Bolles remains on the COVID-19 / reserve list. … The Broncos moved their schedule up Thursday for the Thanksgiving holiday, rehearsing at. 10:50 instead of the usual 14:00 area to give players, coaches and staff an early exit from the building.
