Jamaal Charles’ pursuit of $100,000 is over. The Broncos’ veteran back is inactive for the second-consecutive week, ending any chance of reaching 500 scrimmage yards for a bonus and likely ending his time in Denver.
Receivers Emmanuel Sanders (ankle) and Cody Latimer (thigh), defensive end Zach Kerr (ankle) and tackle Donald Stephenson (hand) were ruled out earlier in the week with injuries. And offensive lineman J.J. Dielman and cornerback Michael Hunter round out the list as healthy scratches.
Charles was inactive for the first time this season in the Broncos’ loss at Washington and was very vocal afterward about his desire to be released so he could try to sign with a playoff-bound team. His snaps dropped significantly as the season progressed — he didn’t receive a single carry in the Broncos’ wins against the Jets and Colts — as Denver relied more on C.J. Anderson and Devontae Booker, and began to give rookie De’Angelo Henderson playing time.
Charles signed a one-year deal with the team in May that included a base salary of $900,000 and multiple incentives. He would have received other bonuses for reaching 750, 1,000, 1,200 and 1,400 scrimmage yards, but he ends his season at 425.
Paxton Lynch will start at quarterback for the Broncos, who are expected to give their younger players ample time on the field before the season closes. For Lynch, it’s not only his fourth career start but a final chance to prove himself before the team makes changes to the roster and perhaps the coaching staff as well.
General manager John Elway and director of player personnel Matt Russell have already attended a pair of bowl games to scout potential quarterback prospects and have others lined up on their offseason itinerary to try to find help at the position.
The Chiefs will start rookie quarterbabck Patrick Mahomes and listed eceiverTyreek Hill, cornerback Marcus Peters, running back Charcandrick West, safety Ron Parker, linebacker Derrick Johnson, defensive lineman Bennie Logan and tight end Travis Kelce as their inactives.
