Engram returned to practice in full and is on track to play Monday night against Cincinnati, a potential spark for a Broncos offense that has yet to involve the tight end this season. His athleticism gives Sean Payton a matchup weapon Denver has lacked, and a healthy Engram could jumpstart Bo Nix’s passing game.

The Bengals just allowed 48 points last week, so Engram has a real chance to deliver immediate value if he becomes a constant target in seam and play-action looks. Denver signed Engram to be a joker who creates mismatches; now it's time for him to deliver and lift the offense's ceiling.

Evan Engram’s return to practice ahead of Monday Night Football could tilt Denver’s offense away from its early-season stagnation. If he plays, Engram’s combo of reliable hands and route savvy can unlock more efficient plays on early downs, addressing Denver’s efficiency drought. His Week 1-2 snap count (38%) and recent health history keep the immediate impact in question, but his track record suggests a meaningful role if he’s truly ready.

Sean Payton’s club hopes October offense breakout vibes continue, with navy uniforms and a refreshed Empower Field setting a mood shift. Pat Surtain II praised the look while Denver chases rhythm in a high-profile MNF clash with Cincinnati. Other injury notes—John Franklin-Myers limited, Dre Greenlaw IR, Malcolm Roach eligible Week 6—frame the game as a battleground of depth and timing, where Engram’s availability could swing the game’s trajectory.

Denver’s 1-2 start has the inside linebacker room in flux as a brutal four-week run looms against Cincinnati, Philadelphia, and the New York clubs. Dre Greenlaw’s signing gave hope, but an IR stint pushes his Week 7 return back and leaves the Broncos thin at a critical position. With Greenlaw out, Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad must anchor a shallow depth chart as veteran options are explored.

Denver is eyeing veterans such as Cole Holcomb, Troy Reeder, Eric Kendricks, and Kwon Alexander to stabilize run fits and pass coverage while Greenlaw recovers. The focus isn’t just short-term; the team wants a steady presence who can contribute immediately in what should be a defining stretch of the season.

Dre Greenlaw’s quad setback forces Denver to IR, reshaping the Broncos’ middle and delaying a hoped-for Week 4 return. With Greenlaw out, Denver leans on depth and patience as Payton and Paton manage a 1-2 start and eye a Week 7 showdown with the Giants to re-anchor the defense against the run and short passes.

Omarion Hampton’s six catches for 59 yards exposed Denver’s coverage gaps on RB/TE routes, underscoring the need for tighter discipline in space. Bo Nix’s development and Drew Brees’ sideline mentorship frame a cautious, process-driven rebuilding path, as the Chargers sit 3-0 and Denver searches for a sustainable pivot.