Adkins will miss the early portion of the season after a tightrope ankle procedure, a move Payton described as measured and predictable. He’s projected to land on injured reserve, sidelining him for at least four games, while the Broncos manage roster cuts. Drew Sanders also faces IR considerations due to a foot injury, reinforcing Denver’s depth concerns at both tight end and linebacker as Week 1 approaches.

Denver’s preseason practice against Arizona highlighted the evolving depth chart and Payton’s emphasis on versatile, multiple-target schemes. For fantasy players, Adkins’ absence signals greater opportunity for other Broncos pass-catchers and adds uncertainty around Week 1 allocations as the roster churns and IR decisions solidify.

Eight Broncos did not dress for the preseason opener, a 30-9 win at San Francisco. The absences included Michael Burton, Reese Taylor, Drew Sanders, Nate Adkins, Alex Singleton, A.T. Perry and Matt Henningsen, with Henningsen later revealed to have torn his Achilles in joint practice and will miss the 2025 season. Dre Greenlaw sat out for San Francisco with a quad, while Greenlaw’s teammates returned to practice next week and Singleton is expected to be ready for Week 1 after a healing thumb. Denver’s next test arrives at home vs Arizona on Aug. 16.

Fantasy-minded readers should note that Henningsen’s injury opens a clearer path for Broncos’ interior defenders, while Burton’s absence could push depth players into fuller blocking and goal-line duty. Perry’s and Adkins’ statuses suggest the Broncos may lean on youth and versatility at pass-catching and will watch minutes behind the starter-heavy trio. San Francisco’s defense may be without Greenlaw early, potentially lifting opportunities for Denver’s ancillary backs and tight ends in subsequent joint practices and exhibitions.

The Denver Broncos received some positive news regarding linebacker Drew Sanders, who was initially expected to face a lengthy recovery from a foot injury. Head coach Sean Payton clarified that Sanders has a ligament injury rather than a tendon issue, which is notably less severe. While he will still be sidelined for a period exceeding four to six weeks, the prognosis is more optimistic than first anticipated.

Sanders is currently weighing his options regarding surgery, which may not be necessary depending on the specific details of his ligament injury. In his absence, Justin Strnad is set to step up as the primary backup alongside starters Dre Greenlaw and Alex Singleton. The Broncos also have additional depth with second-year player Levelle Bailey and a group of undrafted free agents.