Sean Payton: Marvin Mims was not supposed to be in for late-game return that led to concussion

Marvin Mims Jr. was not supposed to be in the game on a late-game kick return in Sunday’s blowout of the Cowboys. A communication failure led to Mims not only being in the game, but returning the ball 26 yards and sustaining a concussion at the end of the play, head coach Sean Payton said Monday. Mims, a two-time All-Pro return man and a receiver who has seen his playing time and importance in Denver’s offense increase in recent weeks, is now in the league’s concussion protocol and will have to progress through several phases before he can return to the field. Injuries are inevitable, but to have a starting player and one of the best return men in the game injured on a play while leading by 20 with 4 minutes, 44 seconds remaining will sting. Payton said the communication broke down somewhere while attempting to send running back Tyler Badie into the game for Mims. Related Articles Parker Gabriel’s 7 thoughts on Broncos’ blowout of Cowboys, including Troy Franklin giving WR2 vibes with breakout performance How Broncos felt ‘difference of play-calling’ from Sean Payton in blowout of Cowboys Renck: With this version of Bo Nix, the extraordinary seems possible for Broncos Broncos analysis: RJ Harvey, rookie class shine in blowout win over Dallas. ‘Maybe they read someone’s article.’ Keeler: Broncos’ Riley Moss is getting it worse from NFL referees than NFL QBs “We made a substitution,” Payton said Monday. “I know (special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi) was trying to send in Tyler for Marvin. Somehow the communication failed and somehow Tyler went in for RJ (Harvey). “Fair question. In that stage of the game, you’re trying to be smart.” Badie has been the third man up in the kick return game all season for the Broncos, and he replaced Harvey a week ago against the New York Giants when Harvey fielded a kickoff and stepped out of bounds at the 5-yard line. This time, he was supposed to replace Mims. Instead, the Broncos will have to wait and see how quickly Mims can return from a concussion. Want more Broncos news? Sign up for the Broncos Insider to get all our NFL analysis.