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.