LESIÓN · 2026-11-04

Malachi Lawrence to miss multiple weeks with injury

• Malachi Lawrence is expected to miss multiple weeks with injury.
• Caleb Downs and P.J. Locke are in concussion protocol.
• Denver defense loses key depth heading into Week 9.

What happened

Medical updates confirmed that Malachi Lawrence could be sidelined for multiple weeks due to injury. Simultaneously, the secondary took a massive hit as Caleb Downs and P.J. Locke both entered the NFL concussion protocol. These combined setbacks severely compromise defensive depth ahead of Week 9, forcing the coaching staff to scramble and adjust positional rotations across the front and secondary in upcoming practices.

Fantasy impact

In IDP formats, managers should immediately bench or drop Malachi Lawrence given his multi-week absence. For Broncos D/ST, projected at 7.4 pts in Week 9, losing both Downs and Locke creates major vulnerabilities in tackling and coverage. If you are relying on this defensive unit in standard 12-team leagues, look at safer waiver streaming options such as Vikings D/ST or Jaguars D/ST.

What changes for the team

Denver faces significant attrition across its defensive unit. Missing Lawrence up front alongside Downs and Locke in the secondary creates exploitable passing seams and running lanes for opposing offenses in Week 9.

What to do: Cut Malachi Lawrence in IDP leagues and avoid starting Broncos D/ST in Week 9.

Sources

• Yahoo Sports: «Malachi Lawrence might miss multiple weeks» · Read the original report

Our own write-up and analysis based on the cited report.