ENGLEWOOD — Newcomer Brandon Jones has returned to Broncos practice with ground to make up in the safety competition.

Jones entered training camp as a likely starter after the Broncos signed him to a three-year, $20-million contract in March after he spent four NFL seasons with the Dolphins. Then Jones suffered a hamstring injury on the first day of training camp. He missed the first two preseason games before returning to practice this week.

Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, following Thursday practice at Broncos Park, was honest in assessing how the absence impacted Jones.

“That’s always a concern because obviously playing football and being in the meeting room is different,” Joseph said. “Having him back out there and getting reps is important. We play next week. … When guys miss time, it’s critical they get back to the playing field and also off the field having their studies in check. Playing the game is playing the game. It’s not on the sideline.”

P.J. Locke is projected as a starting safety. Jones is in competition with JL Skinner and Devon Key for the other starting safety role. Jones tallied nine pass deflections, eight sacks, and three interceptions over 54 games played for the Dolphins (2020-23).

OC Lombardi on QB Wilson

Attention shifts to the No. 2 quarterback job in Denver after the Broncos announced Wednesday that Bo Nix is the starter. Zach Wilson, despite positive reviews from coach Sean Payton, has played mostly with the third-team offense.

Offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi was more critical of Wilson on Thursday when asked about his preseason performance against the Packers. Wilson went 2-of-6 passing for 29 yards and one touchdown.

“I think (Wilson) was disappointed in the game he had on Sunday, but man, he’s had two outstanding practices since that game,” Lombardi said. “(He) really made half a dozen throws that are really impressive and surprising, that we all look at each other after he threw it.”

Payton did not address the media on Thursday. The starters and snap counts plan for Sunday’s preseason finale against the Cardinals is currently unknown.

Briefly

The Broncos briefly mimicked crowd noise at Thursday practice, for the first time in training camp, ahead of the regular season opener on Sept. 8 at the Seahawks. … Lombardi praised rookie Bo Nix following his designation as starting quarterback. Lombardi said: “We drafted him because we really liked him, and he’s confirmed all the things we’ve liked about him.” … Special teams coordinator Ben Kotwica believes the new kickoff rules have been well received by players. Kotwica said: “They like the fact that they’re showcasing their blocking skills, their ability to beat blocks and their ability to make tackles.”