Denver Broncos injury updates from coach Sean Payton’s Thursday briefing:
Broncos pass rusher Nik Bonitto underwent surgery to remove a bone spur from the top of his foot and is scheduled to return to practice next week. Payton said the procedure resolved a small, non-weight-bearing issue and noted that Bonitto should be back in action soon, with plans to get some work against New Orleans.
Left tackle Garett Bolles exited practice briefly after appearing to suffer heat-related symptoms and breathing issues. Payton said Bolles was treated and that he expects him to be fine, emphasizing it was an asthma-related episode rather than a new injury.
Third-year tight end Nate Adkins will miss time early in the season after undergoing a “tightrope” procedure on a high ankle sprain. Payton highlighted the procedure’s goal: a more predictable and quicker timeline to return. Adkins could be placed on injured reserve if needed after the initial 53-man roster is set, which would mean a minimum four-game absence.
Dre Greenlaw, the Broncos’ starting inside linebacker, has not practiced much lately due to quad issues and scar tissue. Payton said the team will monitor his progress and aim for more padded work next week as he works toward a return.
Fullback Michael Burton left Thursday’s practice with a hamstring issue and also sat out the Broncos’ preseason game. His status will be watched closely as Denver builds its roster for the regular season.
What this means for the Broncos
– Bonitto’s return next week will be a welcome boost for the pass rush, especially as the team continues to refine its edge and containment schemes.
– Bolles’ health remains a priority. If he stays on track, Denver can stabilize the offensive line as it faces a busy early schedule.
– Adkins’ ankle procedure underscores the team’s emphasis on a clear, predictable recovery timeline. The tightrope technique offers reliability but will test Denver’s depth at tight end.
– Greenlaw’s progress is critical for the defense’s interior flexibility; the team will want to ramp him up gradually to avoid setbacks.
– Burton’s hamstring status will influence the fullback and special-teams rotation as the roster is carved out.
Summary of key points
– Bonitto: bone spur removed; back to practice next week.
– Bolles: treated for heat/asthma; no long-term concern indicated.
– Adkins: high ankle sprain treated with tightrope; likely early-season absence.
– Greenlaw: working through scar tissue; roster/rotation implications to monitor.
– Burton: hamstring injury affecting preseason participation.
Additional value and analysis
– Sean Payton’s transparency on injuries signals a focus on clear communication with the media and, by extension, the fan base. This approach could help reassure readers during a period when injury news is often frustratingly ambiguous.
– The use of the tightrope repair for Adkins reflects a growing trend in football toward techniques that shorten return-to-play timelines while preserving joint stability. Watch for any update on a firm projection as the season nears.
– The Broncos’ depth will be tested early, particularly at wheel positions (edge, O-line, and tight end). Depth players stepping up in practice and preseason games will be crucial to maintain consistency if starters miss time.
– Positive spin: Denver is already addressing issues head-on, and several timelines appear manageable with the next few weeks of practice. If Bonitto returns promptly and Bolles remains healthy, the offense and defense could hit the ground running once the season begins.
Potential next steps for readers
– Stay tuned for updates on Bonitto’s return-to-practice timeline and any changes to his workload in the next week.
– Monitor Bolles’ recovery from his asthma/heat episode and any adjustments to conditioning plans.
– Track Adkins’ status and Retool plans for opening-roster decisions as the team approaches the final cut date.
– Watch Greenlaw’s progress in padded practices to gauge when he may be ready to contribute fully.
– Follow Burton’s status as the team completes its roster and game-plan adjustments for the early part of the season.
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