Is Courtland Sutton playing today? Broncos WR held without target in TNF win over Saints

The Broncos got off to a hot start versus the Saints on Thursday night, heading into the locker room with a 16-3 lead at the half.

Denver quarterback Bo Nix was prolific through the first two frames, completing 31-of-21 passes for 134 yards, connecting with seven different players through the air. 

However, missing from this group was receiver Courtland Sutton, the team’s leading pass-catcher so far this season with 277 yards on 21 receptions for two touchdowns. The seventh-year Bronco had no targets in the first 30 minutes of play and was virtually nonexistent. 

MORE SAINTS-BRONCOS: Paulson Adebo injury update | Saints’ injury grows list out of control

Sutton was absent during the second half as well, finishing the game with nothing to show for.

Here’s everything to know about whether Sutton is playing today, including how the receiver was held without a catch in the first half of the team’s Thursday night game vs. the Saints.

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Is Courtland Sutton playing today?

Yes, Sutton is playing today. However, when asked about his lack of presence tonight at halftime, Broncos coach Sean Payton said it was because of his gameplan against the Saints zone defense.

“I think we’re getting a lot more zone, so they’re trying to keep their eyes on the [quarterback], and I think when you’re in man, sometimes you can scramble more,” he said. “A lot more man coverage tonight than we’ve seen.”

Sutton is still been on the field a lot for Denver, easily leading all receivers in snaps and routes run. 

Broncos halftime WR snap counts and routes

Courtland Sutton 35-23
Troy Franklin 21-20
Lil’Jordan Humphrey 21-8
Devaughn Vele 20-19
Marvin Mims Jr. 12-10

Out of 41 plays, 28 pass plays

— Nathan Jahnke (@PFF_NateJahnke) October 18, 2024

Is Courtland Sutton injured?

No, Sutton is not injured and is playing in Week 7 against the Saints. 

Courtland Sutton stats vs. Saints

At halftime, Sutton had not been targeted at all.

Sutton entered Week 7 as the team’s leader in targets and receiving yards. The next two contenders are receiver Josh Reynoldsm who is out Thursday with a fractured finger, and running back Javonte Williams, who accumulated 23 receiving yards on three catches in the first.

He was nonexistent the second half as well and did not see the ball.