ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — As the Broncos returned to the practice field, their quarterbacks delivered a series of big plays.
In a ramp-up style practice, the Broncos took part in both seven-on-seven action and a pair of team drills — and Bo Nix, Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson each made their share of highlight throws.
In seven-on-seven work, Stidham delivered a series of completions, including a deep pass to a wide-open David Sills for a touchdown. On one of his own reps, Wilson dropped a 50-yard pass in the perfect position for rookie Troy Franklin to run underneath for another score.
“I thought he had some good snaps today and even on Saturday,” Payton said of Wilson. “I see a guy who is pretty savvy with his snaps. You never feel a panic. So there’s a calmness to him. He made a few really good throws today. I would say a little bit of his patience play to play [stands out].”
When the Broncos moved to 11-on-11 action, Nix delivered another series of impressive throws during his day to work with the first-team offense. After delivering a 15-yard completion to Courtland Sutton and rolling to his right to find Lil’Jordan Humphrey for a first down, Nix held strong in the pocket and threw a strike down the middle of the field for a 25-yard gain.
Stidham added strong completions in 11-on-11 action to Franklin on a comeback and Greg Dulcich on a crossing route. He also found Audric Estime in space for a solid gain.
Wilson, in an earlier team period, delivered an in-rhythm slant to Devaughn Vele for a first-down gain.
As the Broncos get closer to their first preseason action and Denver’s quarterback competition continues, all three players found ways to make plays.
The Broncos will face Indianapolis on Sunday for their first preseason contest, and Payton said the team will decide “probably Tuesday or Wednesday” how it will divvy up the reps.
“We have the practice [schedule] laid out,” Payton said. “Generally mid-week we’ll talk about the reps — Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3.”
Payton reiterated that the Broncos plan to play their starters, just as they did in 2023 during Payton’s first season.
“We’ll start most of the guys,” Payton said. “If they’re healthy, we’ll play everyone. But by mid-week we’ll have an idea [of the reps].”
… Vele and Marvin Mims Jr. both made impressive grabs in red-zone one-on-one drills. On his catch, Vele elevated into the air and high-pointed the ball for a touchdown with a defender draped over him. Cornerback Quinton Newsome and safety JL Skinner were among the players to break up passes during one-on-one drills.
… Denver showed its ability to run the football at times, as Jaleel McLaughlin broke free for what would have been a big gain down the left sideline. A play later, Nix showed his ability to scramble from the pocket for likely first-down yardage.
… Defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike returned to practice on Monday and worked on a side field.
“He’s big, he’s explosive, he’s strong,” Payton said. “He’s got those traits to push the pocket. I think he’s young. We see him as an end candidate to play inside. We’re glad it’s worked out for him.”
Payton said the Broncos will work to progress him slowly after he missed the past year.
… Defensive end Zach Allen returned to practice after being held out on Friday and Saturday. Outside linebacker Nik Bonitto also returned to action.
Cornerback Levi Wallace (hamstring) and inside linebacker Justin Strnad (groin) were among the players who did not practice. Mike McGlinchey missed Monday’s session following the birth of his child, but Payton said he expected McGlinchey to return on Tuesday.
