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UPDATE: Mike Purcell is okay and has returned to the game.
Mike Purcell is in at nose tackle
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) November 17, 2019
The Denver Broncos received a huge blow to their defensive line on the first snap of the game against the Minnesota Vikings. Mike Purcell went down on the first defensive snap of the game and was able to walk off under his own power.
However, a few minutes after being in the tent, the cart came out to take him into the locker room. The reports are that it is a rib injury and he is questionable to return. That is not a good sign for Purcell or the Broncos front seven.
Mike Purcell is being carted back to the locker room.
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) November 17, 2019
Denver was able to stuff an inside running play on that first series despite Purcell being out, but long-term you have to wonder if they can keep Dalvin Cook in check all game without their run stuffing nose tackle in the middle.
Here’s to hoping the cart was precautionary and the tests come back negative on anything serious.