ENGLEWOOD — Jonathon Cooper considers Justin Fields like family after two seasons playing together in college at Ohio State.

But all that changes Sunday at Empower Field.

The Broncos edge rusher and the Steelers quarterback will be on opposite sides of the football.

“He’s a brother I look up to, that I hit up now and then,” Cooper said following practice at Broncos Park. “I’m wishing him all the best and want him to do the best that he can. Rooting for him. But not this week.”

The highly anticipated early-season Denver vs. Pittsburgh matchup lost sizzle with ex-Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson not expected to play (calf injury). But Fields presents a similar, if not more explosive, skillset as a runner and passer.

“Making the (opponent) play defense on all 11 guys,” Fields told local Pittsburgh media on Thursday. “Just with the ability that I have to utilize my legs and run the football. I think that just stresses them out more. … While also just executing the passing game.”

In Week 1, the Steelers defeated the Falcons, 18-10, with Fields playing efficient and almost mistake-free football, 17-of-23 passing for 156 yards (zero touchdowns/interceptions) and 14 carries for 56 yards. Last season, in Week 4 at home, the Broncos hosted Fields as the Bears starting quarterback. He threw for an NFL career-high 335 yards and four touchdowns.

“He’s super, super dynamic,” safety Brandon Jones said of Fields. “A guy that can make plays with his arm and with his legs. In pass situations, we know that if he starts scrambling, that we’re going to have to do a really good job on the back end of plastering guys. Because he can really sling the ball. If he gets out of the pocket, he can be dangerous.”

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The Broncos also have a blueprint for stopping Fields. They rallied last season to beat the Bears, 31-28, with a strong defensive effort. It flipped in the fourth quarter after outside linebacker Nik Bonitto strip-sacked Fields. Cooper recovered the fumble and returned it 35 yards for the game-tying touchdown.

“Just watching him in the pocket and seeing how he reacts and moves. We’ve played him before, so we know what it’s like to tackle him,” Cooper said. “We know what it’s like to get the ball away from him. We also know what he can do with his legs, too. … Making sure he’s uncomfortable and making sure he doesn’t have room or space to get active with his legs. Just condensing him and hitting him all game.”

It’s all business for Cooper and Fields between the whistles. But their mutual respect will be on display after the game. Cooper called Fields a “leader” from their time together at Ohio State.

“Super talented. Super gifted,” Cooper said. “A great guy and a fantastic football player. I think that he’s still the same guy.”