Broncos discipline roundup: Dre Greenlaw’s one-game suspension stands; Riley Moss fined as Denver shuffles plans

The NFL disciplinary picture around Denver crystallized over the weekend. Dre Greenlaw’s one-game suspension was upheld, keeping the linebacker out for this week’s game and away from team practices, while the league also issued fines stemming from last Sunday’s postgame flashpoint and an unrelated facemask penalty on cornerback Riley Moss.

What happened with Dre Greenlaw — and what it costs

Greenlaw was suspended one game for his conduct toward an official in the immediate aftermath of last Sunday’s win. His appeal was denied late in the week, confirming that he will miss this week’s practices and the game and will forfeit his game check. The decision arrives as Denver’s defense is already managing snap counts across the front seven due to earlier injuries and pitch counts, magnifying the absence in the heart of the unit.

A separate fine hit another defender involved in the same postgame scrum: linebacker Justin Strnad was docked for making contact with an official during the sequence that sparked the league’s review. While the fine does not carry a suspension, it reinforces the league’s zero-tolerance approach to interactions with game officials.

Riley Moss fine adds to a busy week

The Broncos’ disciplinary ledger also included Riley Moss, who was fined for unnecessary roughness (facemask) from the third quarter of the Giants game. Moss remains eligible to play; the penalty is financial only. Denver values his speed and range opposite its lead corner, and the staff has leaned on his versatility in both press looks and off-man, where he’s asked to trigger downhill on perimeter runs and quick game.

On-field impact: how Denver covers the Greenlaw gap

Greenlaw’s loss compresses Denver’s interior-linebacker rotation at a time when the schedule tightens. Expect the staff to:

• Elevate snaps for the remaining inside linebackers. Rotational pieces who typically play special teams or sub-packages will see expanded roles on early downs and third-down “green-dog” situations.

• Lean on fronts that lighten the ILB burden. Big-nickel and dime looks — with a safety rotating into the hook/curl — can help steal snaps while keeping speed on the field.

• Tackle the run by committee. Defensive tackles must win first contact to keep backers clean; edges need disciplined squeeze to prevent bounce-outs that stress replacement linebackers.

Discipline is as much the storyline as Xs and Os. The coaching message this week has centered on playing to the whistle and disengaging, particularly after emotionally charged finishes.

The broader context for Denver’s defense

Even with the fines and suspension, Denver’s identity remains defense-first: compress passing windows, disrupt timing with simulated pressure, and close drives in the red zone. The absence of a field-general linebacker for one week shifts play-calling toward communication-friendly coverages and front structures that reduce gray areas for backups. That typically means more single-gap clarity against the run and conservative exchange rules on option looks.

For the secondary, Moss’s fine doesn’t change his role. His tape this month showed improved eye discipline on double moves and better leverage at the top of routes; those gains will be tested with additional zone-match responsibilities if Denver adds a safety to compensate for linebacker depth.

Timeline at a glance

• Postgame, last Sunday: Confrontation with an official triggers review.

• Early week: League issues one-game suspension to Greenlaw.

• Late week: Appeal denied; suspension stands for this week.

• Weekend: Additional fines announced — Justin Strnad (contact with official) and Riley Moss (facemask).

What’s next

Greenlaw becomes eligible to return next week once the one-game ban is served. Internally, the goal is to exit this week without further attrition, then reintegrate Greenlaw into full practice with clear communication rules reinforced. For Moss, the fine serves as a warning light but not a change in status; his snap share and matchup usage should remain steady.

Denver will ride depth and structure to navigate a one-week hole at linebacker while keeping its secondary intact. The message after a costly seven-day stretch is simple — tighten technique, curb the post-whistle emotion, and let a top-tier defense be decided between the lines.