Russell Wilson-Courtland Sutton connection strong

Players Attendance

Did not practice: Physically Unable to Perform list — OLB Baron Browning (knee). Non-Football Injury list — DL Mike Purcell (knee).

The following players did not participate on Wednesday: Safeties Justin Simmons and Caden Sterns, right tackle Mike McGlinchey, wide receiver Brandon Johnson, tight end Chris Manhertz, outside linebacker Aaron Patrick, and cornerbacks Riley Moss, K’Waun Williams and Art Green.

Simmons has missed three straight practices and was limited last Saturday. Wednesday marked the second straight day Manhertz, Williams and Patrick were sidelined. Moss has been out since July 31 after having core muscle surgery last week. Green did not participate for the first time this camp.

Payton indicated that the injuries to McGlinchey (knee sprain) and Johnson (ankle sprain) suffered Tuesday were not long-term, but the former is likely to miss a couple of weeks.

Top Play

Wilson’s connection with Sutton continues to strengthen: As the Broncos get ready for their preseason opener at Arizona on Friday, it’s evident quarterback Russell Wilson’s connection with wide receiver Courtland Sutton is growing. During 11-on-11, Wilson threw a deep pass down the sideline to Sutton, who beat out cornerback Pat Surtain II on a go-route to make the catch. Wilson’s pass was so pretty it brought to mind visions of his Seattle Seahawks days when he was a Pro Bowl regular.

Thumbs up

DiNucci makes a strong case for Denver to keep three QBs: Quarterback Ben DiNucci was dealing on Wednesday. He watched defenders close in before scrambling for a nice gain. Later, he rolled to his right before completing a pass down the field to tight end Adam Trautman. He connected with Trautman once again when he stepped into a collapsing pocket and threw a shovel pass to the tight end for positive yardage.

During the 7-on-7 period, DiNucci nearly had the play of the day when he delivered a well-placed ball to the end zone, but wide receiver Montrell Washington couldn’t make the contested one-handed catch.

Thumbs Down

R.I.P to Mathis’ ankles: Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy put cornerback Damarri Mathis on skates. After Jeudy made a leaping catch, he sped up the field, crossing paths with Mathis, who he juked so badly that the second-year cornerback fell on the ground, drawing some oohs and aahs from the crowd.

Odds and Ends

• There’s no better person to help the Broncos’ pass rush than longtime defensive end Jared Allen, who recorded 136 sacks and 32 forced fumbles in his career. Head coach Sean Payton has enjoyed having Allen at practices, and said the former Minnesota Vikings star is “dipping his toe in the water” with coaching. Allen was seen after practice working with Broncos defensive end Zach Allen.

“He hasn’t jumped in the pool, yet,” Payton said.

• Payton said the team constantly rotating outside linebackers has led to Randy Gregory and Frank Clark’s on-and-off participation during camp.

“We’ve got a number of these outside linebackers that are all getting reps,” Payton said. “We’ve got a rotation going, and those guys will play Friday, as well.”

• Sutton has been one of the best players at camp, and he credits that to his offseason training program.

“I cut a little bit of weight,” Sutton said. “I wanted to get stronger (in) my legs and upper body. The strength staff has done a great job to put weight on then turn it into muscle and lean back down.”