Denver’s IR slate shortens to six after Kristian Williams’ injury settlement, freeing him to join another club. Malcolm Roach and Drew Sanders land on short-term IR, with Week 5 return eligibility if healthy; four others remain on season-ending IR. The Broncos head to Indianapolis as slight Week 2 favorites, navigating roster churn while hoping Roach/Sanders backfill depth later this season.

Two IR moves (Williams off IR, Burton/Gargiulo/Walker/Henningsen still out) compress roster flexibility but could unlock reserve opportunities. Week 1 win over Titans provides a positive note as the team readies for a Colts matchup that could shape early-season defensive identity and fantasy plays.

Denver carries a 53-man roster with a 17-player practice squad for 2025, but six players sit on injured reserve — Kristian Williams, Michael Burton, Nick Gargiulo, Johnny Walker, Matt Henningsen (season-ending) and Drew Sanders (short-term) — reshaping the front seven and backfield to start the season. The Broncos host Tennessee in Week 1, and Sanders’ four-game return window will be a key factor in early defensive depth. Expect immediate shifts in run defense and pass rush as Denver leans on reserves and multiplayers roles at RB/TE.

Week 1 will test Denver’s depth as Titans come to town with a balanced attack. The IR crop highlights how quickly Denver can retool and who emerges in front of the crowd, while fantasy managers gauge early-season upside for Denver defenders and backfield role players amid arrival of reinforcements and potential injury settlements as the season unfolds.

Denver’s preroster cut-day snapshot in camp shows the Broncos managing a thinning injury deck ahead of Thursday’s joint practice with Arizona. OLB Johnny Walker Jr., DE Matt Henningsen, and ILB Drew Sanders are out or limited, with Nik Bonitto present but inactive and Reese Taylor walking with a limp. Nate Adkins is listed as unknown and Damarri Mathis departed, a potential longer-term blow for Denver’s roster plans. Pat Bryant, Denver’s third-round pick, has begun to stamp his mark, making plays from multiple quarterbacks and even delivering a back-shoulder TD. Bo Nix has shown improved accuracy and resilience, connecting with Sutton in the red zone and fueling optimism for the offense. Coaches are balancing workload, emphasizing smart, smart camp practices with minimal risk ahead of the preseason, while reserve defenders like Dondrea Tillman, Que Robinson, and Joshua Pickett have flashed. The special teams emphasis remains a key roster-barometer as Denver weighs the depth for Week 1.

In the top-play segments, Nix’s returns blend with Sutton’s chemistry and Bryant’s all-around grit, underscoring a not-quite-set depth chart that pays off for fantasy managers eyeing Denver’s offense. The defense is stock-piling explosive reserves—Newsome, Pickett, and Jordan Jackson each showing pressure and playmaking. While the injury list softens the path, Bryant’s emergence and a steadier Nix should keep Broncos’ fantasy options alive in August, with a few sleeper defensive pieces flirting with roster spots and special-teams roles shaping the final cuts.

Johnny Walker, the Denver Broncos' rookie linebacker, has emerged as a sleeper to watch during the summer. Standing at 6'3" and weighing 255 pounds, Walker's college career at the University of Missouri showcased his progressive improvement on the field. After a modest start in his early years, he made a significant leap in his final two seasons, accumulating impressive stats including 9.5 sacks and three forced fumbles in 2024. His athleticism and ability to disrupt plays make him a potential key player for the Broncos' defense.

Walker's transition to the NFL presents an exciting opportunity for fantasy football players and Broncos fans. With his college performance indicating a strong potential for production in a professional setting, he could become a valuable asset if he secures substantial playing time. Keep an eye on him as the offseason progresses, as he could emerge as a sleeper candidate in deeper leagues.

The Denver Broncos have a strong tradition of undrafted free agents (UDFAs) making the 53-man roster, with at least one UDFA securing a spot for 21 of the past 22 seasons. This year, the focus is on five standout UDFAs who have the best chances of earning a coveted place on the squad. Johnny Walker, a pass rusher from Missouri, received the highest signing bonus and has shown potential with 9.5 sacks last season. Karene Reid of Utah, despite facing competition at inside linebacker, has the opportunity to shine. Clay Webb from Jacksonville State, projected as a late-round pick, aims to bolster the offensive line. Xavier Truss from Georgia, a massive lineman, and JB Brown of Kansas, both are in positions that lack depth, enhancing their chances for the final roster.