The Denver Broncos welcomed a trio of starters back to training camp practice on Monday. It signals the team is getting healthier as the 2026 NFL season approaches. But there was one concerning development.
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The Denver Broncos got some much-needed news on a trio of players who have dealt with injuries during recent practices at training camp. They also received concerning news about a player who has been plagued by injuries in the past.
Denver wrapped up its 12th day of practice on Monday after its preseason win over the Atlanta Falcons. Practice saw the returns of several key players, providing a boost heading into the next phase of camp.
Jaylen Waddle returns to full participation
Starting with the biggest development, the Broncos welcomed back wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. He had not participated in practice since Aug. 5, when he walked off the field and did not return with a leg strain. Waddle wore a sleeve on his left leg but fully participated in practice, including 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 team drills.
This is significant for a Denver team that traded to acquire Waddle from the Miami Dolphins this offseason. He’s expected to be a major part of the Broncos’ offense, and getting him back into the swing of things at training camp is certainly a promising sign for his availability to start the 2026 NFL season. Now, they just have to keep him healthy.
Sean Payton told reporters the Broncos will continue to be smart with Waddle’s injury. He also said he didn’t have much concern about the lost reps between Waddle and starting quarterback Bo Nix.
Broncos get reinforcements along the offensive line
The Broncos also returned starting center Luke Wattenberg and backup center Alex Forsyth to practice. Both Wattenberg and Forsyth participated in team drills during Monday’s session. This comes a week after Denver lost third-string center Michael Dieter to a season-ending quad injury. The team also signed veteran center Lecitus Smith last week, giving them a good deal of depth at the center position heading into the regular season.
Marvin Mims Jr. takes a step forward
Wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. took a step forward in his return to practice. He did not participate fully but was present for the team stretch period and worked through individual wide receiver drills. Mims left practice for the injured-player field when things shifted gears to team drills, where he was reportedly seen stretching and working out on his own.
It would seem that Mims is nearly capable of a full return after pulling up with a hamstring injury during a route in practice. His progression back to individual drills is a good sign for the Broncos’ receiving corps. It’s especially good news with Waddle also back in the fold.
Drew Sanders’ absence is a concerning development
The only negative injury news to report for Denver is that Drew Sanders did not participate in Monday’s practice. He was spotted on the injured-player field. Sanders had a sack against the Falcons on Friday night in preseason Week 1. The team did not disclose his injury status, so it’s unclear what he’s dealing with.
It’s a disappointing development for Sanders, who has been plagued by injury during his NFL career. He suffered a torn Achilles tendon back in April of 2024. In July of 2025, he suffered a foot tendon injury and was placed on injured reserve. What was supposed to be a short-term stint on IR turned into a lost season, as Sanders was never activated during the 2025 campaign.
Sanders had switched from inside linebacker to outside linebacker this season, making his availability all the more important for the Broncos’ defense. Denver will hope this is nothing more than a maintenance day for the young pass rusher.
