Denver Broncos News

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton said on Wednesday that quarterback Bo Nix will have a similar workload to the starters in last week's preseason opener against the Atlanta Falcons when he makes the start this week in the second preseason contest against the Green Bay Packers at home, according to Zac Stevens of DNVR Sports. It will be Nix's first game since suffering a broken right ankle in the Divisional Round win over the Buffalo Bills in the playoffs in January. The 26-year-old former first-rounder out of Oregon had a cleanup procedure on his ankle in April, but he's been a full participant since the start of training camp and isn't expected to have any limitations when the 2026 regular season kicks off in Week 1 in a showdown on Monday night versus the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs. Nix has been a top-10 fantasy signal-caller in each of his two seasons in the NFL, and while many folks might be hesitant to select him after ankle surgery, he could also have his highest ceiling yet in his third year after the addition of speedy receiver Jaylen Waddle. RotoBaller has Nix ranked as the No. 16 fantasy QB.

Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle continues to make plays with his new quarterback, catching a 60-yard touchdown from Bo Nix during Wednesday's practice, according to Zac Stevens. Waddle beat Pat Surtain II on the play, another impressive rep against a corner he's battled throughout camp. The connection with Nix has been showing up more often lately. Nix hit Waddle in stride for a gain of at least 20 yards Tuesday, and offensive coordinator Davis Webb recently pointed to the work the two put in together over the summer when discussing their developing chemistry. Waddle has also jumped right back into the mix after missing more than a week with a leg strain. He caught 64 passes for 910 yards and six touchdowns for Miami last season before Denver traded for him in March. The Broncos wanted another explosive element in the passing game, and Waddle's early work with Nix is starting to show exactly what that could look like.

Denver Broncos running back J.K. Dobbins was back in full pads Tuesday as he continues working through the soft-tissue issue that cut short his Aug. 10 practice. Dobbins was already back doing individual drills the next day and practiced again Wednesday, then returned Monday during Denver's non-padded session. So this hasn't turned into a long absence. He ran for 772 yards and four touchdowns on 153 carries in 10 games last season before a foot injury sent him to injured reserve after Week 10. Denver re-signed him to a two-year deal in March, and Dobbins is still listed first on the Broncos' initial unofficial depth chart ahead of RJ Harvey. Rookie Jonah Coleman is in the mix, too, after a good start to camp. Tuesday's full-pads appearance is another good sign for Dobbins, but there still hasn't been confirmation that he's back to a completely normal workload. That's the next thing to watch.

Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (leg) was in full pads Tuesday, another step forward after returning to practice Monday. Waddle had been out since leaving an Aug. 5 practice with a muscle strain in his left leg. Head coach Sean Payton initially expected him back within four or five days, but Denver gave him more time. He was nearly a full participant Monday and even caught a pass from Bo Nix during a red-zone period. Now the pads are back on. Waddle came over from Miami in a March trade after posting 64 catches for 910 yards and six touchdowns in 16 games last season. Denver gave up first-, third- and fourth-round picks in that deal while also getting a fourth-rounder back with Waddle. The Broncos have plenty invested in him, and he is expected to be a major part of the passing game alongside Courtland Sutton. After almost two weeks of dealing with the strain, Tuesday's step is a good sign.

Denver Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. (undisclosed) stretched and participated in drills on Monday before doing work on the side field, according to Zac Stevens of DNVR Sports. We don't know any more specifics about Mims' injury, but it kept him out of the preseason opener and has impacted his ability to practice. At this point, it's too early to tell whether he'll be available for Week 1 of the regular season. Mims projects as the Broncos' primary returner on special teams this year, but he faces a difficult path to production on offense in his role behind Courtland Sutton, Jaylen Waddle, Troy Franklin, and Pat Bryant. He ranks as the WR107 in RotoBaller's latest redraft rankings and should go undrafted in most fantasy leagues this year.

Denver Broncos running back Jonah Coleman has continued to receive praise from head coach Sean Payton, according to Parker Gabriel of The Denver Post. Payton said that there was a point where he realized he had seen enough from Coleman during practice to know that he's going to be an impact player in the NFL. "I didn't need to see additional evidence of what I've been seeing for three weeks," Payton said. That's a pretty glowing review for the rookie ball-carrier. Even though he's third on the depth chart behind JK Dobbins and RJ Harvey, it sounds like he should have a significant role this year, perhaps as early as Week 1. He's a glaring trade target in dynasty leagues before his price adjusts, and he might even be worth selecting in the later rounds of redraft leagues. RotoBaller's latest fantasy rankings have Coleman as the RB29 in dynasty leagues and the RB52 in redraft leagues.

Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (leg) returned to practice Monday after missing nearly two weeks with a muscle strain, according to Parker Gabriel. Waddle was involved throughout the non-padded session, his first real work since leaving practice early on August 5. Head coach Sean Payton initially expected him back within four or five days, but the absence ended up lasting longer than that. Waddle also missed Denver's preseason opener against the Atlanta Falcons. The Broncos acquired the 27-year-old from Miami in March after he caught 64 passes for 910 yards and six touchdowns last season, and he is currently listed as a starter on Denver's unofficial depth chart. Monday was a positive development after the extended layoff. Waddle still has time to get more work with Bo Nix and the rest of the offense before the regular season begins.

Denver Broncos running back J.K. Dobbins (undisclosed) was practicing with the team at training camp on Monday, according to Zac Stevens of DNVR Sports. The Broncos held Dobbins out of last Monday's practice with an undisclosed soft-tissue injury, but he returned to individual drills on Tuesday and Wednesday before being held out of the team's preseason opener on Friday against the Atlanta Falcons. It's unclear how much he did in Monday's practice, but if he returns to team drills this week, the 27-year-old might be cleared to get some work this Friday in the second preseason game at home against the Green Bay Packers. It would not be a surprise to see the Broncos keep Dobbins out as a precaution, though, considering his lengthy injury history. The former second-rounder in 2020 from Ohio State by the Baltimore Ravens was averaging 5.0 yards per carry with 772 rushing yards and four touchdowns in his first 10 games with Denver last year before suffering a season-ending foot injury that required surgery. Dobbins has recovered from that, but in what looks like a three-headed RB committee in 2026 alongside RJ Harvey and rookie Jonah Coleman, Dobbins' fantasy football value could be capped as an RB3/flex if he stays healthy.

Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton remains one of the team's top pass catchers heading into the 2026 season. He caught three passes for 60 yards in Week 1 of the preseason, operating as the No. 1 receiver with Jaylen Waddle (leg) sidelined. It's encouraging that Sutton played this well with Jarrett Stidham as his quarterback -- albeit in a preseason game -- because he should remain productive once Bo Nix (ankle) returns to the offense. Teaming up with Waddle could actually be advantageous for Sutton this year, because it could shift some of the opposing teams' cornerbacks away from him and onto the ex-Dolphin. The Waddle addition has drastically changed Sutton's price tag in redraft leagues, as he now carries an ADP of 72. That makes him a sixth-round pick and the 35th receiver off the board in drafts. There's value to be had, as Sutton still projects as a key pass-catching option in a very potent Broncos offense.

Denver Broncos running back Jonah Coleman rushed for 24 yards on four carries during Friday's preseason contest against the Atlanta Falcons. However, he was not targeted in the passing game. A 2026 fourth-round pick out of Washington, Coleman projects as the Broncos' No. 3 running back, but he has remarkable upside. Between his size, athleticism, and college production, Coleman has the makings of someone who can someday be relevant in both redraft and dynasty leagues. His efficiency on Friday was a step in the right direction, as he averaged six yards per carry and broke free for 13 yards on his biggest play of the day. The biggest obstacle for Coleman right now is the depth chart. Both JK Dobbins and RJ Harvey are ahead of Coleman, and that won't change anytime soon. Nevertheless, he's a low-cost running back worth stashing in most dynasty leagues.

Denver Broncos tight end Evan Engram caught one of his three targets for 24 yards during Friday's preseason contest against the Atlanta Falcons. He was actually targeted four times by Jarrett Stidham, but one of plays was called back due to an offensive holding penalty. Fantasy managers shouldn't be deterred by the fact that Engram had just one catch, and that two of his targets weren't caught. Rather, there should be optimism that he fetched a significant amount of targets despite playing just a couple of drives. That's a step in the right direction after an uninspiring 2025 campaign in which he caught 50 passes, scored one touchdown, and ranked as the TE29 in PPR leagues. Engram doesn't have a multi-touchdown season since 2023, and he'll look to get back on track in 2026. The passing game is a bit crowded following the trade for wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, but the good news is that Engram essentially has the top of the tight end room all to himself. He's a mid-to-low TE2 with upside going forward.

Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (leg) will not play in the team's preseason opener on Friday night against the Atlanta Falcons, per Parker Gabriel of The Denver Post. Fellow wideout Marvin Mims Jr. is also sitting out, as is starting quarterback Bo Nix and running back J.K. Dobbins. It's no surprise that Waddle is being held out after exiting training camp practice last Wednesday with muscle tightness in his leg. The speedy pass-catcher has not yet returned to team drills, but there doesn't appear to be any concern that it's an injury that will linger into the start of the 2026 regular season. The 27-year-old former first-rounder by the Miami Dolphins in 2021 from the University of Alabama was acquired by Denver in the offseason in hopes that he could unlock the explosiveness in the Broncos' passing attack. Waddle could be Nix's go-to target over Courtland Sutton this year, giving him a lot of upside as a WR2 target in fantasy football drafts. He could be in line to make his team debut in the second preseason game at home next Friday against the Green Bay Packers.

Denver Broncos wide receiver Troy Franklin took a big step forward last season, but getting back to 104 targets could be a challenge. Franklin caught 65 passes for 709 yards and six touchdowns in 2025, finishing second to Courtland Sutton in all three categories. Denver then paid a hefty price to bring in Jaylen Waddle, and the Broncos' first unofficial depth chart has Marvin Mims Jr. ahead of Franklin at the third receiver spot. Franklin hasn't disappeared this summer. Bo Nix has continued finding him during first-team work, and Sean Payton recently praised how much more comfortable he looks with Denver's formations and different alignments. There are just more players fighting for touches now. Sutton and Waddle should command plenty of work, Mims is ahead of Franklin for the moment, and Pat Bryant and Evan Engram are part of the passing game as well. RotoBaller has Franklin at WR84 in half-PPR. He still makes sense as a late flier, but another 100-target season is getting difficult to project.

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton said on Wednesday that quarterback Bo Nix's recovery from multiple surgeries on his right ankle continues to go well this summer, but he will not play in the team's preseason opener on Friday versus the Atlanta Falcons, according to Jeff Legwold of ESPN. Payton said that Nix will play in the team's final two preseason games against the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings, which will both be in Denver. Although Payton didn't specifically mention the artificial turf playing surface in Atlanta, it could be a reason as to why the Broncos will hold out their QB on Friday. Nix fractured his right ankle in the closing moments of the AFC Divisional Round win over the Buffalo Bills in January, with his initial surgery coming days after, before needing a follow-up procedure in April to treat bone spurs in the same ankle. The 26-year-old missed most of the on-field work during the offseason program, but he's been a full-go since the start of training camp in late July and should be 100% healthy for a Week 1 Monday night showdown against the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs. Nix said he has felt "completely normal" during camp, and his ankle surgeries won't make him hesitant to run in 2026.

Denver Broncos running back J.K. Dobbins (undisclosed) was seen taking part in training camp practice again on Wednesday, according to Zac Stevens of DNVR Sports. There was some concern surrounding Dobbins when he left Monday's practice session with an undisclosed soft-tissue injury, but he was able to return to individual drills a day later on Tuesday. The 27-year-old's presence on the field for a second straight day likely means he's avoided any kind of serious injury, but he still might not play in the team's preseason opener on Friday against the Atlanta Falcons. Dobbins was on his way to a career year in 2025 in his first year in Denver, producing 772 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 153 carries while adding 11 receptions for 37 yards through the air in 10 games before suffering a season-ending foot injury. The former second-rounder in 2020 from Ohio State has a 5.2-yard-per-carry average in his five NFL seasons, but he's never played a full year due to injuries. Dobbins enters 2026 as a key piece of the Broncos' backfield, but it's shaping up as a committee approach that also involves second-year back RJ Harvey and rookie Jonah Coleman. The entire situation gives Dobbins a limited ceiling as an RB3/flex target with durability concerns.

Denver Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. is listed as one of the three starting receivers, along with Jaylen Waddle and Courtland Sutton, on the team's first unofficial depth chart of the preseason, according to Mike Klis of 9 News. Troy Franklin, Pat Bryant, and Lil'Jordan Humphrey are listed with the No. 2 offense. Additionally, Mims is listed as the team's top kick and punt returner on special teams. Fantasy managers always must take unofficial preseason depth charts with a grain of salt, and this one is no different. The 24-year-old Mims is trending down going into the 2026 campaign after a disappointing 2025 season in Denver, and because of the addition of Waddle. Bryant, not Mims, appears to be the current favorite for WR3 duties in Denver this year while having a strong training camp, while Mims has missed time recently with an undisclosed minor injury. The former second-rounder from the University of Oklahoma had 503 receiving yards and six touchdowns in 2024 in Year 2, but dropped to a 37-322-1 line in 15 regular-season games in his third season. Most likely, Mims will factor in more for the Broncos on special teams than as a regular contributor on offense.

Denver Broncos wide receiver Pat Bryant is listed with the second group on the team's first unofficial depth chart despite an impressive training camp. According to Parker Gabriel, Jaylen Waddle, Courtland Sutton and Marvin Mims Jr. are on the top receiver line, while Bryant is listed alongside Troy Franklin and Lil'Jordan Humphrey as a No. 2. The label is worth noting, but Bryant's practice work has told a more encouraging story. He caught a touchdown from Bo Nix during a first-team period Tuesday, and Broncos coaches have repeatedly praised the plays he has made throughout camp. Sean Payton has also pointed to Bryant's strong hands in traffic, run-after-catch ability and versatility between the outside and slot. Bryant caught 31 passes for 378 yards and one touchdown in 15 games as a rookie, making seven starts. Denver has a crowded receiver room after adding Waddle, so snaps will not come easily. Still, Bryant's second-string listing does not erase the momentum he has built this summer.

Denver Broncos rookie running back Jonah Coleman gave the coaching staff another good sign Tuesday, this time in pass protection. According to Troy Renck, Coleman had a couple of nice blitz pickups during practice. That matters for a rookie trying to earn snaps in Sean Payton's offense, especially because Payton praised that part of Coleman's game after the draft and said he could play on third down. Denver took Coleman 108th overall after he rushed for 758 yards and 15 touchdowns at Washington last season. He has also been getting positive reviews throughout camp, with Payton recently saying Coleman does not feel like a rookie. The Broncos still have J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey in a crowded backfield, so one good practice rep is not going to settle anything. Still, Coleman showing he can recognize pressure and hold up in protection gives Denver another reason to trust him when the offense gets into passing situations.

Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (leg) remains absent from training camp practice on Tuesday, although he is present, according to Zac Stevens of DNVR Sports. Waddle remains day-to-day after dealing with muscle tightness in his leg since last week. His injury is not considered serious, and the Broncos are likely just taking extra precaution for their new addition that they spent first- and third-round picks on to acquire in the offseason. The Broncos have their preseason opener this Friday against the Atlanta Falcons, and Waddle almost certainly will not play in that contest as he continues to recover. The 27-year-old former sixth overall pick from the University of Alabama could be the Broncos' leading target and receiver in 2026 in his first year in the Mile High City, making him a popular WR2 target with upside, especially in leagues that reward points for each catch. Waddle had three 1,000-yard seasons in Miami to begin his career, and he came just short of a fourth with 910 yards and six touchdowns in 16 starts in 2025.

Denver Broncos running back J.K. Dobbins (undisclosed) is back at training camp practice on Tuesday with his pads on, according to Zac Stevens of DNVR Sports. Dobbins, who has a lengthy injury history in the NFL, was pulled from practice early on Monday with an undisclosed soft-tissue injury. It appears that the 27-year-old's injury wasn't very serious. The former second-rounder in 2020 from Ohio State was on his way to a career year last season in his first year with the Broncos before he suffered a season-ending foot injury. In 10 games played, Dobbins had 772 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 153 rushing attempts while adding 11 receptions for 37 yards as a pass-catcher. The previous year with the Los Angeles Chargers, Dobbins had a career-high 905 rushing yards and a career-high-tying nine rushing TDs in 13 games played. He has averaged 5.2 yards per carry in his five NFL seasons, but he has never played a full season due to injuries. Dobbins should be Denver's primary option on early downs in 2026 in his second year in the Mile High City, but with his injury history and a potential committee backfield with RJ Harvey and rookie Jonah Coleman, Dobbins has a low ceiling and a low floor. RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 31 fantasy RB. UPDATE: Dobbins went through individual drills on Tuesday, per The Denver Gazette's Chris Tomasson.