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.