The Denver Broncos are set to kick off their home preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers, and they’ll be without several players during tonight’s dress rehearsal.

The Denver Broncos first home preseason game is here and Broncos fans will get to see their first in-person look at rookie quarterback Bo Nix, who is getting the start tonight with the first-team offense. In what could be a game where Nix locks up the starting job, here is a list of players who won’t participate in tonight’s game against the Packers.

Broncos Injuries Impacting the Packers Game

Brandon Jones will not play in tonight’s game against the Packers despite returning to practice earlier this week after missing time with a hamstring injury. The Broncos’ main goal is to get him to the regular season, where he will start opposite P.J. Locke at safety. Devon Key has done a terrific job filling in for him and has gotten valuable on-field reps that have given Denver’s coaching staff confidence in their depth behind Locke and Jones.

Levi Wallace has missed the last two weeks with a hamstring injury himself and it has impacted his standing in the Broncos ongoing position battle for CB2 opposite of Patrick Surtain II. That battle has dwindled down to Riley Moss and Damarri Mathis and those two will continue to compete here tonight where the starting job could be decided following the game.

Art Green has had a terrific offseason but will miss tonight’s game while working his way through the NFL’s concussion protocol following his collision with Jelani Woods last week in the Broncos’ 34-30 win against the Indianapolis Colts. He’ll likely return to practice this upcoming week as the team prepares for their third and final preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals before roster cuts occur.

Devaughn Vele will not play tonight after leaving practice on Thursday and missing Friday’s joint practice against the Packers. While head coach Sean Payton says Vele will be fine and that he’d still have a chance to play in tonight’s game on Friday, the team is making the right decision by holding him out, considering his impressive offseason.

Starting left guard Ben Powers won’t play this evening despite practicing throughout the week. In last week’s preseason game against the Colts, he took a shot to the ribcage from teammate Samaje Perine on an interception return. Rookie Nick Gargiulo will also not play for the second consecutive game.

Who's In, Who's Out

The Denver Broncos are in relatively good health going into their preseason showdown with the Green Bay Packers this weekend. The only two active-roster players who seem certain to not play are cornerbacks Art Green (concussion) and Levi Wallace (hamstring). Broncos coach Sean Payton said earlier this week that he expects Green to return for the team’s preseason finale next week.

Wide receiver DeVaughn Vele left Thursday’s session with an undisclosed injury and he did not practice Friday, but Payton said Vele will be “fine.” Payton said Vele has a chance to play against Green Bay on Sunday night.

Denver held out healthy cornerback Pat Surtain and defensive linemen Zach Allen, John Franklin-Myers and Eyioma Uwazurike last week. All four players are expected to suit up against Green Bay on Sunday.

Elsewhere on the injury front, the Broncos waived rookie pass rusher Jaylon Allen with an injury settlement earlier this week. Allen cleared waivers and he might be a candidate to return to the team on the practice squad once he recovers from an ankle injury.

Meanwhile, linebacker Drew Sanders (Achilles) and safety Delarrin Turner-Yell (ACL) remain on the physically unable to perform list.

The Players Still Out

Here’s a look at the players who will not play in the Broncos’ preseason opener against the Packers:

1. DB Delarrin Turner-Yell (ACL; PUP)
2. LB Drew Sanders (Achilles; PUP)
3. CB Levi Wallace (hamstring)
4. CB Art Green (concussion)
5. LG Ben Powers (shoulder)
6. RB Devaughn Vele (undisclosed)
7. OL Nick Gargiulo (undisclosed)
8. DL Eyioma Uwazurike (just returned)

Opportunity Knocks

The Broncos' game against the Packers will be nationally televised on NFL Network. Next week’s preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals will be nationally televised on CBS. Bring on the football!

This game will be a chance for several players to step up and show the Broncos’ coaching staff what they can do. With several key players out, the game against the Packers is an opportunity for players to earn a roster spot or a spot on the practice squad.

This game against the Packers is more than just a preseason matchup; it’s a pivotal moment for fringe players to either secure their future with the Broncos or face an uncertain fate as cuts loom near.