Courtland Sutton crosses 1,000-yard mark as breakout season continues

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‘HE’S BEEN A POSITIVE INFLUENCE’


After Sunday’s loss, Von Miller stepped to the podium and said he was “lost for words.”


“It’s more than just winning and losing,” Miller said after the team’s ninth consecutive loss to the Chiefs. “It defeats my soul to go out there and play the way we play and lose the way we lose.”


The Broncos were eliminated from postseason contention for the fourth year in a row after Sunday’s loss.


“I just think he’s [frustrated with] losing to those guys again and he’s been here the last four years now [and there] hasn’t been a winning season,” Fangio said when asked about Miller’s comments. “But he’s been a positive influence and a positive part of this team. That will continue. I just think it’s more frustration.”


Fangio said he didn’t think he and Miller were “not on the same page,” but he said he’ll talk to Miller. He clarified that he speaks with Miller every week.


Despite the team’s ninth loss, Fangio said he thinks the Broncos are trending in the right direction.


“I think so,” Fangio said. “It’s hard to claim that with the season the way it’s gone, but I do believe that.”


INJURY UPDATE


The Broncos are still “working through” whether tackle Ja’Wuan James will play against the Lions or if he will go to injured reserve, Fangio said


James met with Fangio last week about his left knee injury that has kept him out of all but three games. James last played in the first half of the team’s Week 14 game in Houston. The team then held him out of the second half as part of a predetermined set of reps. James did not practice last week and missed Sunday’s game in Kansas City.


He initially suffered the injury in Week 1 in Oakland.


“I don’t think he feels that it’s 100 percent right now,” Fangio said of James. “He’s a little leery right now.”


Tight end Noah Fant, though, should be OK after suffering a shoulder injury in Kansas City.


“I think he’ll be fine,” Fangio said.


Fant, who battled hip and foot injuries ahead of the team’s game against the Chiefs, leads all rookie tight ends in receptions and receiving yards.