Broncos’ PJ Locke wears cast after fracture and dislocation of thumb

P.J. Locke knew something was wrong during Denver’s practice on Oct. 23, but thought he might have sprained his left wrist.

A simple move he’d done a million times led to pain, but he finished a defense drill.

At one point he took a bad angle during practice and clapped his hands in frustration.

Then he knew.

“I was like, ‘oh,’” he said. “I was like, ‘Something’s wrong.’ So I took (my glove) off and it got dislocated.

Locke dislocated his left thumb and suffered an avulsion fracture. It required surgery, but the exact nature of the injury meant only a two-week absence.

He was listed as a full participant in Friday’s practice — he’s been practicing all week with a club on his left hand — and will play Sunday against Kansas City after missing the Broncos’ past two games.

“He had a good week,” head coach Sean Payton said Friday. ‘He feels good. We’ll see where he is, but it was good to get him back on the field and get some defensive reps.”

Locke went one step further.

“I honestly think I dodged a bullet,” Locke said. “It could have been a lot worse. Where I had the fracture, it was the best-case scenario for a thumb.”

Locke will have to carry the club for several weeks in the coming weeks.