It's Thursday, which means it's time for another AFC West update.
The Denver Broncos head into Week 3 of the NFL season boasting a 2-0 record, while the rest of the division sits at 1-1. Matters appear to be getting worse for the San Diego Chargers as the team continues to be injury plagued, and the Kansas City Chiefs endured their first loss of the season to the Texans last week.
With a multitude of headlines to recap, let's get you caught up on what's happening in the AFC West.
Denver Broncos
Defense wins championships.
The Broncos proved that theory correct a season ago, and are continuing to flex their dominance two weeks into the 2016 NFL season. Linebacker Von Miller has been a clutch performer dating back to Super Bowl 50, and in the closing moments of both of Broncos games this season has found a way to close out a win.
While he may not be the flashiest player in the league, quarterback Trevor Siemian has managed to get the job done for the Broncos. Through his first two NFL starts, Siemian has completed 40 of his 59 passes for 444 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions. The Denver defense might be stout, but the team just lost veteran outside linebacker Demarcus Ware who suffered a fractured forearm against the Indianapolis Colts. Ware underwent surgery on the injured forearm Tuesday and is assumed to be out four to five weeks.
The Broncos will take on the 1-1 Cincinnati Bengals this Sunday at Paul Brown Stadium in Ohio.
Kansas City Chiefs
Two weeks into the 2016 campaign, and Pro Bowl running back Jamaal Charles remains out of the lineup. Charles has continued to get increased reps during practice, as he is still recovering from last year's ACL tear. In his stead, running back Spencer Ware has handled a majority of the rushing responsibilities.
On 21 attempts, Ware has rushed for 127 yards this season, and one touchdown. Charles could return to the field in the near future, but until that day comes Ware should keep receiving touches.
The Chiefs struggled last week against the Houston Texans, giving up three turnovers, all fumbles. It wasn't a strong outing for the team, and Head Coach Andy Reid addressed the issue this week.
"We have to do a better job of keeping the football," said Reid. "We have to put an end to that."
The Chiefs will take on the New York Jets at Arrowhead Stadium at 1:25 Pacific standard time.
San Diego Chargers
The San Diego Chargers have been on the receiving end of a barrage of injuries this season, and it's only been two weeks. After losing the talented wide receiver Keenan Allen for the season with an ACL injury, the team has now suffered another loss due to an ACL injury, this time running back Danny Woodhead.
The Bolts nine-year veteran went down in the first half of last Sunday's game with a torn ACL and was carted off the field. After Woodhead's injury, the Chargers went out and acquired wide receiver Dexter McCluster, a former Tennessee Titan. McCluster has a similar play style to Woodhead, and can serve as a serviceable pass catcher. With Allen and Woodhead out for the year, Gordon has an opportunity to step in his second year with the team.
As far as Joey Bosa is concerned, the rookie defensive end participated in practice on Wednesday in pads, his first time wearing them since playing in the Fiesta Bowl last year. He's officially been activated to the 53-man roster, it's still unknown when he'll take the field.
