Broncos safety PJ Locke is dealing with a thumb injury that questions his status for Sunday’s game against Carolina.

Locke appeared likely to retire from practice on Wednesday due to injury. He was doing normal work during the open portion of Wednesday practice but was not seen leaving the field when the Broncos’ shift ended. Later on Thursday, head coach Sean Payton confirmed that Locke had not practiced due to the injury.

Locke started each of Denver’s first seven games, mostly playing alongside Brandon Jones. When Jones was limited in training camp and in Week 1 against Seattle, Devon Key was the next man at safety.

Key also played spot duty on the Broncos’ defense earlier in the season.

“I feel like I have to put my trust in every game, no matter what the situation is,” Key told The Post on Thursday. “If I take zero snaps or every snap on defense, I feel like when I get the opportunity, I can go out there and be the best I can be.”

Judging by how training camp has gone, Key has more experience playing alongside Locke than Jones, but he said he’s still comfortable.

“I feel like we have great communication throughout the entire DB room, whether it’s pre-snapshot or post-snapshot, I think we do a great job of talking,” Key said.

Joseph focused on the present. Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph leads one of the NFL’s best units.

These are the types of coordinators often sought after for head coaching jobs during the offseason.