The huge cheer from within the Broncos locker room after Sunday’s 38-24 win over the Houston Texans was a product of coach Vic Fangio telling the players they were off on Tuesday.

Fangio’s weekly schedule has Monday as the players’ usual day off and then meetings and off-field workouts on Tuesday.

“I thought about it before the game,” Fangio said Monday. “In the old days, it used to be called ‘Victory Monday.’ We’ve flipped (the day off) and a lot of teams are doing that now. I decided if we won, we would do it.”

The players will return to the Broncos’ facility Wednesday to start preparing for Sunday’s game at Kansas City.

Fangio’s reward can be seen as a reflection of his appreciation for the players’ effort during the 5-8 season. Unprompted recently, he has complimented their spirit and work ethic.

“I think our guys like being here,” Fangio said. “They like playing with each other. We’ve got a bunch of good teammates. We’ve had a lot of guys claimed off the (waiver wire) and signed off the streets this year, an inordinate amount of people for most teams. To a man, most of those guys have said they really enjoy being here, they like the team (and) they like the atmosphere and culture around here.

“And I think they’re just playing hard.”

Of the 53 players on the current roster, nine weren’t with the Broncos in training camp, including outside linebacker Jeremiah Attaochu, returner Diontae Spencer and fullback Andrew Beck.

Jones, Fant updates. Fangio said defensive end Dre’Mont Jones sustained a high ankle sprain when he was rolled up by teammate Justin Hollins.

“We’re not sure of the severity,” Fangio said. “It could be that he might be able to play (Sunday) or it could be that he misses a couple of weeks. The next few days will tell.”

Tight end Noah Fant sustained a second-half foot injury and is expected to be back for the Kansas City game.

“I think he’s OK,” Fangio said. “He got stepped on and his foot got a little bruised. And (there is) a little hip irritation injury. They’re still doing more tests on him, but hopefully optimistic (for Sunday).”

Vic on Buzz Light-lear. A day after Drew Lock debuted a Buzz Lightyear-themed celebration as the rookie quarterback sliced up the Texans, Fangio admitted he spends a lot more time watching football film than actual films.

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That includes not seeing any of the Toy Story movies or knowing who Buzz Lightyear is. So while he’s still unsure why Lock is mimicking an animated space ranger’s laser after the Broncos score, he’s okay with whatever keeps Lock and the offense jazzed up as it was on Sunday.

“Sometimes something silly can be a rallying cry for some people,” Fangio said. “Obviously, it helps (the media) write an article or two and it gives (the fans) something to talk about. But then when you don’t have such a good performance, then I’m sure Buzz Light-lear — what’s his name? Buzz? Lightyear? — will be made fun of. Everything has its shelf life.”

Footnotes. Fangio said outside linebacker Von Miller (47 of 80 snaps played) “came out good,” after missing the Chargers game with a left MCL injury. “I don’t think he’s any worse than he was last week at this time. In fact, I think he’s a little better. I think (Sunday), he was probably operating at 80% and hopefully we can get it up to 85-90% this week.” … After the Broncos took a 38-3 lead in the third quarter, Fangio limited his pressure calls — he rushed four on 27 of Deshaun Watson’s final 31 drop-backs. “It’s tempting to add a lot of extra rushers (when having a big lead), which we did a few times,” Fangio said. “But the worst thing you can do when you’re up 28 (and 35) is give them a quick seven.”