Mile High Report

Bo Nix will not play in the Broncos' first preseason game against the Falcons; he will make his 2026 debut in the following week's game instead.

Named as example of training camp injury concern when not practicing; source expresses anxiety about such absences until head coach Sean Payton confirms player status.

Head coach Sean Payton decided a month prior that Nix will sit out tonight's preseason game but play the next two weeks; Payton stated that if this were a regular season game, Nix would play with 100 percent certainty, indicating confidence in his readiness despite training camp injury concerns.

2026 rookie tight end expected to demonstrate ability to handle the size and strength of the NFL in the blocking game and make plays in the passing game.

2026 rookie tight end with preseason expectations to make plays in the passing game; the source expresses fan-base need for production from this position.

2026 rookie running back with preseason expectations to run hard, showcase vision, and stay healthy as he gets his first action in an NFL game.

Undrafted free agent WR/KR described as the source's favorite UDFA receiver; has good speed, is a playmaker, and has made plays in camp. The source is excited to see his performance with third-string QB Sam Ehlinger and the Broncos' third-string offense as a potential surprise standout.

Former UFL standout with elite physical profile (6-5, 230 pounds) and good speed; the source expects him to play against similar talent in the preseason to what he faced in the spring league, positioning him to showcase his abilities as a potential surprise standout.

Lucas Krull is a veteran tight end fighting for a roster spot or practice squad position with the Broncos. A big game in the preseason opener against the Falcons would be beneficial for his chances of making the team.

Nate Adkins is a tight end fighting for a roster spot or practice squad position with the Broncos. A big game in the preseason opener against the Falcons would be beneficial for his chances of making the team.

Evan Engram has made some noise early in training camp at the tight end position, standing out in a room that was mostly forgettable last season. With new offensive coordinator Davis Webb now calling plays, there is hope for improvement at the position.

Dallen Bentley is a 7th-round rookie tight end who is more of an in-line blocker similar to Adam Trautman. He has been a forgotten man with no training camp updates, but has a chance to shine in the preseason opener against the Falcons, particularly in the run game where his blocking skills will be on display.

Justin Joly is a 5th-round rookie tight end who the source believed was destined to be a Day 2 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft but slipped into Day 3. He is a pass-catching tight end who should thrive in the red zone, and the source is excited to watch him showcase his talents in the preseason opener against the Falcons. The Broncos' tight end play was mostly forgettable last season, making Joly a key player to monitor.

Sam Ehlinger has shown noticeable growth in year two with the Broncos and in Sean Payton's offense, putting pressure on Jarrett Stidham for the QB2 role. He will get the second half of the preseason opener against the Falcons to compete for the backup quarterback position. The source notes that while Ehlinger has had strong moments this offseason, it would take him significantly outplaying Stidham to replace him, though the Broncos may also be generating film for other interested teams if they like both as backup options.

Jarrett Stidham will start the preseason opener against the Falcons and get reps with the starters early in the first half, then work with the second-team offense throughout the remainder of the first half. He is competing with Sam Ehlinger for the QB2 role, though Head Coach Sean Payton has downplayed the competition, saying both quarterbacks are 'competing against the 31 other quarterbacks' and will get real game experience. Stidham is making decent backup money and was Payton's hand-picked backup when he first joined the team, making it unlikely Ehlinger would replace him unless he significantly outplays him.

Bo Nix will not play in the Broncos' preseason Week 1 matchup against the Falcons; he is coming off offseason ankle surgery and has been practicing fully throughout camp, but the team would rather not have him on the field when they don't need him out there. He will play in the following two weeks of the preseason.

Quarterback Bo Nix will not play in the Broncos' first preseason game against Atlanta; he fractured his ankle in a playoff win over Buffalo in January and will make his return in the following week's preseason action.

Competing for the No. 3 receiver role in the Broncos offense during training camp. The source notes that 'over the course of training camp, Pat Bryant is making the push to be the No. 3 receiver in the offense,' indicating an active battle for depth chart positioning.

Running back with sky-high expectations for 2026 season; the Broncos are 'hoping J.K. Dobbins can fulfill his sky-high promises (including completing a full season).' His ability to stay healthy and produce is a key component of Denver's elite contender status as they pursue a Super Bowl run.

Newly acquired offensive weapon for Bo Nix in Denver. The source explicitly identifies Waddle as the key offensive addition that Nix 'finally has' as the Broncos position themselves as an elite Super Bowl contender for 2026.

Returning quarterback after injury-related exit in January; Broncos' Super Bowl contention hinges on his return. The source notes Denver was 'a Nix injury away from playing in the Super Bowl' last season and now has him back healthy as a key component of their elite contender status heading into 2026.

Bo Nix will not play in the Broncos' preseason opener vs. the Falcons; most other starters will be in for the first 10-15 plays, providing a look at the offense under new offensive coordinator Davis Webb.

Rookie running back impressed throughout training camp and earned praise from Head Coach Sean Payton as one of camp's most pleasant surprises; averaged 5.5 yards per carry in college, ranked among draft's best backs for yards after contact, and scored 34 rushing touchdowns over four seasons at Washington. Positioned as contingency plan for J.K. Dobbins, who suffered soft tissue injury during Monday's practice; Denver struggled to run the ball when Dobbins missed time last season.

Sean Payton projects continued development and increased impact in year two. Payton emphasized Bryant's size, strong hands, and clutch gene—noting he had multiple 'walk-off touchdowns' in college (fourth-and-whatever situations where he caught in-cuts and scored game-winners). Payton stated the coaching staff's original vision for Bryant 'is coming into focus' as he flashes consistently in camp. Despite being listed second-team at the 'X' position behind Courtland Sutton, Bryant is expected to see significant playing time in a crowded WR room that now includes Jaylen Waddle.

Outperformed multiple higher-drafted peers in his draft class, including first-round pick Matthew Golden and second-round WR Tre Harris. Ranked seventh in receptions and receiving yards among his draft cohort despite being the tenth WR selected. Sean Payton noted Bryant is a confident player with strong hands and exceptional footwork on contested catches; Payton stated he's seeing the traits 'as consistently as you're seeing now' in year two, and believes 'it will be hard to keep him off the field' despite being listed second-team behind Courtland Sutton on the depth chart.

Third-round WR pick (74th overall, 2025) who appeared in 15 games with 7 starts as a rookie, recording 31 receptions for 378 yards and 1 TD. Operated effectively over the middle of the field and was a clutch performer on third-down conversions. Fixture in Denver's 11 personnel groupings where his run-blocking prowess contributed to the team's early-season rushing success with J.K. Dobbins.

Sam Ehlinger is expected to play the entire second half of the preseason opener vs. the Falcons, as part of an informal QB2 evaluation with Jarrett Stidham. Both Ehlinger and Stidham have been splitting reps with the second-team offense throughout camp. The source notes that the distribution of playing time between the two could flip in the following week, making their performance in this game a key evaluation point for the Broncos' backup quarterback decision.

Jarrett Stidham is expected to start the preseason opener vs. the Falcons and play the entire first half, as part of an informal QB2 evaluation with Sam Ehlinger. Both Stidham and Ehlinger have been splitting reps with the second-team offense throughout camp. The source assumes Stidham will get the start based on the depth chart positioning, with his performance in this game being a key evaluation point for the Broncos' backup quarterback decision.

Bo Nix will not play in the preseason opener vs. the Atlanta Falcons due to ankle surgery recovery; the Broncos are being cautious about his first game back from two ankle surgeries, avoiding the turf inside the dome in Atlanta. Instead, Nix will play in the following two preseason games at home on natural grass at Mile High. The source notes Nix has practiced fully since Day 1 of camp without limitations and has been moving around well, indicating he is healthy; the decision is purely precautionary to avoid unnecessary risk in a meaningless game.

Listed as QB1 on the unofficial depth chart ahead of the preseason game against Atlanta.

Listed as RB1 on the unofficial depth chart ahead of the preseason game against Atlanta.

Listed as TE1 on the unofficial depth chart ahead of the preseason game against Atlanta.

Listed as WR3 on the unofficial depth chart ahead of the preseason game against Atlanta.

Listed as WR2 on the unofficial depth chart ahead of the preseason game against Atlanta.

Listed second on the unofficial depth chart at WR despite receiving far more playing time than Marvin Mims Jr. in 2025.

Listed ahead of Troy Franklin on the unofficial depth chart despite Franklin getting far more playing time in 2025; positioned as WR1 on the depth chart.

Lucas Krull caught a 7-yard touchdown pass from Jarrett Stidham at the end of practice, making a nice snag to finish the session.

Jarrett Stidham took snaps with undrafted rookie Gavin Ortega at center during practice, continuing his work with the backup offensive line.

Kolbe Katsis scored a touchdown during the move-the-ball period, making an acrobatic reception over the middle on a 4th and 10 from the 25-yard line, showing he can make plays in high-leverage situations.

Sam Ehlinger threw an absolute dime to Kolbe Katsis in the back of the end zone during the move-the-ball period, demonstrating accuracy on a difficult throw.