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.

The Denver Broncos placed Nick Gargiulo on season-ending injured reserve after a knee injury in Saturday night’s preseason win against Arizona. Gargiulo, a 6-5, 310-pound seventh-round pick from South Carolina, was vying for a swing guard/center role before the injury ends his 2025 season prior to the 53-man roster. To fill Gargiulo’s spot on the 91-man offseason roster, Denver signed fullback Adam Prentice, a move aimed at bolstering blocking and depth behind Michael Burton and Nate Adkins, who are dealing with injuries.

Broncos injury news also includes rookie corner Joshua Pickett with a wrist/thumb issue and outside linebacker Garret Wallow leaving the game with an ankle injury. Burton (hamstring) and Adkins (ankle) were limited as the team continues to piece together its Week 1 picture. Prentice’s addition signals a depth-forward approach at the fullback/linebacker mix rather than a sweeping lineup shift, as Denver navigates roster decisions ahead of the regular season.

Fantasy managers should monitor how Denver reshapes interior-line rotation and how Prentice is used in goal-line and short-yardage plays, especially with Burton and Adkins sidelined. Gargiulo’s IR clears roster-space chatter, but the Broncos’ move to add Prentice underscores a practical, depth-conscious plan rather than a dramatic positional overhaul as the team approaches Week 1.

Denver Broncos bring back Adam Prentice at fullback after two injuries at the position, a move designed to stabilize the blocking game and short-yardage packages as Week 1 approaches. Prentice reunites with Sean Payton, a relationship that helped him land in Denver after stints with the Saints. With Michael Burton sidelined by a hamstring injury that could linger, and Nate Adkins unavailable due to an ankle procedure, Prentice has a real shot to crack the Week 1 roster and contribute where Denver needs a reliable lead blocker. The situation underscores Denver’s emphasis on a disciplined power run game early in the season and creates a clearer path for roster decisions as the depth chart shakes out.

The move signals a practical, scheme-fit upgrade rather than a flashy upgrade. Prentice’s familiarity with Payton’s system and his college background give him a legitimate chance to assume lead-blocking duties and occasional goal-line work, even if touches remain limited. Fantasy managers should monitor Prentice if Burton’s return is delayed; any uptick in playing time could nudge his fantasy relevance in deeper leagues, especially in later weeks if Denver leans more on two-back or short-yardage looks.

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 are gearing up for training camp, facing tough decisions as they prepare for the upcoming NFL season and the crucial task of finalizing their 53-man roster. A primary focus is on the running back position, where the team is likely to retain four players. Last season, they had three quarterbacks, and they may need to make some sacrifices at other positions to maintain depth at running back.

A key player in this deliberation is Nate Adkins, a third-year player who has been making strides as a tight end but has the build and skills to effectively play as a fullback. His versatility, coupled with a solid performance record, places him in a favorable position to replace Michael Burton. It’s clear that the Broncos are aiming for a run-heavy offense under Sean Payton, and the roster decisions could reflect that philosophy.

With Adkins’ potential to contribute on special teams and significantly bolster the depth chart at tight end, retaining both Adkins and Burton could hinder the team’s flexibility. The Broncos must navigate these personnel choices carefully to ensure they have the optimal roster heading into the season.