Denver’s Week 5 road trip to Philadelphia is unsettled by Lucas Krull’s foot fracture, landing him on short-term IR for at least four games. With Krull out, Evan Engram, Nate Adkins and Adam Trautman are set to handle tight end duties, placing extra onus on Engram to anchor the position. The situation adds noise to a Broncos TE room already lacking depth and targets.

Garrett Wallow was elevated from the practice squad to fill Krull’s roster spot, signaling roster stability despite limited offensive upside from the rookies. Engram’s opportunity becomes the fantasy focal point, while Adkins and Trautman could carve out a few opportunistic baselines. Krull’s 2 catches for 15 yards on the season underscores the volatility of this unit.

The Broncos may need to explore offseason TE fixes, or even a midseason trade, to stabilize the role for Payton’s system. The Saints’ trade rumor hints at external options, but for now Engram must seize the moment against Philadelphia as Denver eyes a more consistent pass game.

Denver heads to Philadelphia in Week 5 with a sharpened run game thanks to Nate Adkins’ return and Quinn Meinerz back at guard, while Lucas Krull is out. Engram and Trautman provide reliable TE targets, and Adkins’ clearance keeps the offense balanced as Marvin Mims Jr. and Alex Singleton contribute in the receiving and tackling roles. The Eagles counter with Nakobe Dean OUT and Jihaad Campbell back, but questions linger around Dallas Goedert, Jalen Carter, and Lane Johnson. The clash could hinge on Denver’s ground attack volume and Philadelphia’s midseason adjustments.

Denver brings back Nate Adkins in Week 3, with Evan Engram sidelined. Adkins' blocking-first skill set boosts the Broncos’ ground game while giving Bo Nix a reliable safety valve in the short-to-intermediate game. Expect Adkins to anchor lead blocks, mesh well with play-action, and quietly influence the offense beyond pure targets.

The run game stands to gain as Denver sits inside the top 10 in rushing, and Adkins’ versatility—blocking, limited receiving ability, and occasional fullback duties—gives Payton multiple ways to disguise schemes. If he handles the ankle well, Adkins could push the Broncos’ attack forward on the road against the Chargers and in ensuing weeks.