ENGLEWOOD – Suddenly, there is some optimism from the Broncos about wide receiver Jerry Jeudy being able to play in Sunday’s regular-season opener.

The Broncos on Friday listed Jeudy as questionable for the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Empower Field at Mile High. Jeudy suffered a right hamstring injury Aug. 24 in a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams. He returned to practice Wednesday on a limited basis and also was limited on Thursday and Friday.

“He’s playing well,’’ Denver coach Sean Payton said after Friday’s workout at the Centura Health Training Center. “He’s doing a good job. We got 11 personnel tags with him in there. Just the change of direction, down-the-field stuff.”

Wide receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey, who is on the practice squad, also spoke well of how Jeudy looked during the week.

“He’s been working his tail off and trying to get back,’’ Humphrey said. “He’s doing what he’s supposed to do to get back on the field and we need him out on the field. There’s definitely a chance (he will play Sunday).”

Jeudy on Thursday said, “it’s my body” and it will be “my decision” on if he plays against the Raiders. He declined comment Friday on his health.

Payton was asked to address his thinking on players coming back from injuries.

“I just go by how we feel, the reports, and I’ve been encouraged (with Jeudy),” he said.

The Broncos have only four wide receivers on the 53-man roster so, regardless of whether Jeudy plays, Humphrey could be elevated off the practice squad. Also, candidates to be elevated are practice squad receivers Phillip Dorsett and David Sills.

“I’m just trying to stay ready and so, if I am up, I’ll be able to thrive out there,’’ said Humphrey, who played for Payton with New Orleans from 2019-21 and was Denver’s leading receiver in the preseason.

The Broncos also listed cornerback Riley Moss (abdomen) as questionable. No other players got an injury designation for Sunday’s game although cornerback Pat Surtain II was noted to have been limited in practice Friday due to an ankle injury.

The Raiders listed defensive end Chandler Jones (personal) and cornerback Brandon Facyson (shin) as out and wide receiver DeAndre Carter (knee) as questionable.

O-line back together

For the first time, the Broncos on Sunday will have their starting offensive line intact for a game.

Right tackle Mike McGlinchey missed the entire preseason due to a sprained knee. The other four starters appeared in two exhibition games in left tackle Garett Bolles, left guard Ben Powers, center Lloyd Cushenberry and right guard Quinn Meinerz.

“I don’t think so because I was only out for about two weeks,’’ McGlinchey said about any cohesiveness of the line being hampered by his absence. “We were together all spring and the first couple of weeks of (training) camp and then the last couple of weeks. I think we’re ready to go.”

Cushenberry said the offensive line has “been coming along very well the past two weeks.” But he didn’t deny it can be helpful when all five starting linemen work together in a preseason game.

“A little bit,’’ he said. “It’s always good having the same guys in there. But at the same time, it’s good for the other guys to get experience because throughout the season guys go down.

Praise for McLaughlin

Some veteran Denver running backs have taken notice of the confidence displayed by rookie Jaleel McLaughlin.

McLaughlin made the 53-man roster after being undrafted out of Youngstown State. He is the team’s third back after starter Javonte Williams and Samaje Perine.

“Just how explosive he is and just his confidence coming in as a rookie.’’ Williams said of what he has observed about McLaughlin. “I feel his confidence is sky high. … That’s a good trait to have.”

It’s one running back Dwayne Washington, who is on the practice squad, also has observed.

“As young as he is, he’s just hungry,’’ Washington said. “You can see it is in his eyes. He’s hungry for success. He’s doing it for a reason.”

Briefly

Broncos fullback Michael Burton, who played for Payton in New Orleans, said there’s no difference with the coach when the regular season starts. “He’s always locked in whether it’s the preseason, (spring drills), training camp (or the regular season),’’ Burton said. “He wants to win. He’s very competitive.” … It could rain during Sunday’s game. “I’d rather be like it is now, clear skies, so you don’t need to worry about it being slippery,’’ Williams said. … Linebacker Ben Niemann said he was set to sign with Tennessee’s practice squad after being released by the Titans last week. But then he got an offer to join Denver’s practice squad and be reunited with Vance Joseph, his defensive coordinator in 2022 with Arizona. “It was a great opportunity to get back with him,’’ Niemann said.