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 signed Adam Prentice, reuniting with Sean Payton and adding depth behind Michael Burton at fullback. Prentice’s Saints tenure and Broncos roots loom large as Payton continues to recruit Saints alumni in Colorado. Burton’s hamstring and Nate Adkins’ ankle surgery create a practical window for Prentice to contribute in preseason and potentially shape special-teams and goal-line packages. Don’t expect fantasy gold here, but the move matters for depth and coaching trust in Payton’s system.

Prentice’s return reinforces Payton’s familiarity-driven approach, signaling a flexible, blocking-focused backfield with a veteran edge. The Saints connection, plus Broncos’ ongoing roster reshaping, underscores how Payton’s network-specific signings can influence camp competition and depth-chart decisions—especially in short-yardage and special-teams roles. In dynasty terms, this is depth-inflated value, with upside tied to Burton’s health and Adkins’ recovery timeline.