INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Two games ending in a walk-off field goal loss are difficult to stomach for the Broncos defense.

On Sunday, after a 23-20 defeat to the division-leading Chargers, outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper tried to make sense of what happened in the postgame visiting locker room at SoFi Stadium.

“Really frustrating,” Cooper said. “Because, you know, it don’t matter how many stops we get. When we need it most, we’ve got to step up and be there and stop them. And we just didn’t get it done.”

There are still signs of defensive strength from the Broncos (1-2) ahead of hosting Monday Night Football at Empower Field against the Bengals (2-1). Denver, after three games, ranks first in the NFL in quarterback pressures (49) and sacks (12). But it hasn’t translated to defensive stops when it matters the most.

“I wouldn’t say it’s a concern, but it’s definitely a wake up (call) for how we’ve got to finish games,” Cooper said. “How to not put us in those situations like we were these past two weeks. And just finish the game.”

Cooper, in his fifth NFL season, is off to a strong start with two sacks. His next step is looking within to help Denver bounce back against the Bengals.

“Just accepting it. Looking at everything. Critiquing yourself. Pointing the finger at yourself and getting better,” Cooper said. “You’ve got to really look at all the details and see where you could’ve done better. See where you could have changed the game here or there. You’ve got to analyze it and be pretty hard on yourself and critique yourself in order to be better for next week.”

Roster moves

The Broncos signed fullback Adam Prentice from their practice squad to the active roster, the team announced Wednesday.

The Broncos also signed defensive back A.J. Woods to the practice squad.

Prentice replaces inside linebacker Dre Greenlaw, who was placed on injured reserve Saturday with a quad injury. Greenlaw is eligible to return on Oct. 19 against the Giants.

Prentice has been elevated from the practice squad in each of Denver’s first three games this season. He played on 16 percent of the team’s offensive snaps and 30 percent on special teams snaps. He caught one pass for 4 yards against the Titans in Week 1.

Prentice played collegiately at Colorado State and South Carolina.

Woods went undrafted in 2024 out of Pittsburgh. He spent most of last season on the Eagles practice squad. Woods tried out for the Broncos on Wednesday.

Broncos PFHOF nominees

A dozen former Broncos were nominated Wednesday for entry into the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026 as modern-era players. Wide receiver Rod Smith (1995-2006) and center Tom Nalen (1994-2007) are two other nominees also in the franchise’s Ring of Fame. Below are the remaining 10 players:

—DT Jurrell Casey (2020)

—RB Jamaal Charles (2017)

—T Ryan Clady (2008-15)

—TE Vernon Davis (2015)

—DE Elvis Dumervil (2006-12)

—WR Brandon Lloyd (2009-11)

—WR Brandon Marshall (2006-09)

—DE Simeon Rice (2007)

—DT Ted Washington (1994)

—WR Wes Welker (2013-14)

The selection committee will cut the nominations list to 50 in October. A minimum of three and a maximum of five modern-era players will be elected to the Class of 2026, with the announcement made prior to Super Bowl LX.

Briefly

Broncos edge rusher Nik Bonitto launched the Bonitto Family Foundation on Tuesday. The organization provides “children and families enduring physical, financial and emotional hardships with the support they need to improve their lives and achieve future success,” according to its website. … Cornerback Pat Surtain has launched a podcast, along with Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold, called “Closed on Sundays.” Surtain and Arnold both played college football at Alabama. Their first episode premiered Wednesday on YouTube, Spotify, and other podcast platforms. … The Broncos tried out the following players on Wednesday, according to the NFL’s transaction wire: DB Shemar Bartholomew, WR Elijah Cooks, DB M.J. Devonshire, DB D.J. Miller, DB A.J. Woods, and WR Mike Woods.