Denver Broncos rookie cornerback Jahdae Barron was absent from Thursday’s practice as the team prepares for its preseason finale against the New Orleans Saints. Head coach Sean Payton explained that Barron’s absence is due to a minor injury, and he is expected to play on Saturday.
“He’s fine. We held him out, just soft tissue. He’s fine. We anticipate him playing,” Payton said of Barron.
Barron, who won the Jim Thorpe Award as college football’s top defensive back last year, has played primarily with the Broncos’ first-team defense during training camp. While his performances in preseason games have been steady, his run support and physical style have stood out.
Payton outlined the team’s plans for Barron: “Our vision, I think, with Jahdae is nickel with corner flex. So it’s pretty valuable if you can play outside, you can play inside (…) He’s very smart. As the game went on last week, he really got involved and made some really good plays. The vision for him is, he has that ability to play inside but also flex outside. His size is plenty big enough, and his speed and physicality. Those are all things that help him at that position.”
Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph commented on Barron’s adaptation process: “He’s been doing a great job. He’s a rookie, so he’s getting a bunch of looks he hadn’t seen. He’s making a lot of mistakes, but he’s correcting them quickly (…) Watching him play Saturday night, we saw the explosiveness, his strength at the point of attack. He can cover, he’s smart, and he can rush. Thus far, really good.”
The Broncos’ cornerback group features established starter Patrick Surtain II along with Riley Moss, Ja’Quan McMillian—who intercepted a pass earlier this summer—Kris Abrams-Draine and Damarri Mathis.
As roster decisions approach ahead of Tuesday’s deadline to reduce to 53 players for the season opener, Barron’s role continues to develop among strong competition at his position.
Even if Barron does not start immediately alongside Surtain and Moss when the regular season begins, coaches emphasize confidence in his contributions as part of their defensive rotation.
Barron is set to return for Denver’s final preseason game on Saturday versus New Orleans.
