The Denver Broncos put on a full-court press to land prized free agent signing and two-time Pro Bowl tight end Evan Engram, but they have already experienced the risk of such a potentially rewarding investment.
Engram made a delayed debut in the Broncos’ 20-12 win over the Tennessee Titans in Week 1.
He also made an early exit, which underscores why the former No. 23 pick of the 2017 draft by the New York Giants is on his third team in the last five seasons.
Broncos Lose TE Evan Engram to Injury vs Titans
GettyEvan Engram #17 of the Jacksonville Jaguars warms up before facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Denver Post’s Luca Evans noted that Engram was joining new teammate and fellow offseason free agent pickup, linebacker Dre Greenlaw, as an injury risk that has become a reality for the Broncos.
Engram had three receptions for 21 yards on four targets in two-plus quarters.
“It took all of three quarters for serious injury concerns to surface around two of the Broncos’ most important veteran free-agent additions,” Evans wrote on September 7. “It was a cruel development in an ugly Week 1 win, Denver’s passing offense already sputtering before Engram’s exit. Cruel, too, that it happened with Engram doing the thing — operating as a safety valve for quarterback Bo Nix to move the chains — that prompted Denver to sign him in the first place.”
“Denver will likely play it conservatively with the 31-year-old if the calf injury is serious, as the tight end comes with an injury history,” Evans wrote. “He played just nine games in 2024 after tearing his labrum. The Broncos are already down another key veteran newcomer in linebacker Dre Greenlaw, who didn’t play Sunday amid a continued battle with a quad injury.”
DNVR Broncos’ Zac Stevens reported on X that Engram had his helmet on the Broncos’ sideline after the injury, but he never re-entered the game.
Evan Engram’s Usage Draws Attention
GettyEvan Engram #17 of the Jacksonville Jaguars leaves the field after facing the Atlanta Falcons.
Even before he went down, Engram was a source of intrigue in his regular-season debut. He did not start, which was attention-grabbing since he signed a two-year, $23 million contract with the Broncos in free agency following courtship from quarterback Bo Nix during his recruitment.
Incumbent tight ends Adam Trautman and Lucas Krull, who are both bigger and superior blockers than Engram, started in the Broncos’ 12-personnel look.
Engram replaced Krull on the field on Denver’s second offensive play from scrimmage, though.
Engram received his first target on the Broncos’ second possession, catching a 5-yard pass from Nix that put the Broncos in a manageable third-down situation. Then, things went from slow to bad, with Engram leaving the game early.
The Broncos were also without tight end Nate Adkins, who moonlights as a fullback, in the contest, highlighting how depleted the Broncos are with Engram’s injury.
Rookie 7th-Round Draft Pick, International Pathway Program Player Could Benefit From Evan Engram Injury
GettyPatrick Murtagh of the Suns celebrates victory during the First VFL Semifinal match between the Sydney Swans and the Gold Coast Suns.
If Engram is forced to miss time, the Broncos could face a decision at tight end, with only two healthy players at the position. Adkins is sidelined after having ankle surgery, but the Broncos did not place him on any of the reserve lists, which could be a good sign.
The Broncos could turn to their practice squad, where they have 2025 seventh-round draft pick Caleb Lohner and fellow rookie and international prospect Patrick Murtagh.
Lohner was a basketball player for most of his collegiate career and remains raw.
Murtagh has never played in a regular-season game, but he has spent time with the Detroit Lions (2023) and Jacksonville Jaguars (2024) in his career. If that is not enough for the Broncos, free agency or, even more drastically, a trade could be their only recourse.
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