The Denver Broncos have trended in the right direction over the past few weeks regarding their collective health, a turn from a tumultuous stretch earlier in the season. However, their latest update confirmed a new set of concerns, including with Dre Greenlaw.
Greenlaw has already missed ample time since signing with the Broncos this past offseason.
Still, if that were their only concern, the Broncos’ initial injury report of Week 17 would be far less ominous, with the Kansas City Chiefs looming on “Thursday Night Football.”
Dre Greenlaw DNP on Broncos’ 1st Injury Report
GettyDre Greenlaw #57 of the Denver Broncos celebrates a stop against the Houston Texans.
Greenlaw’s was by far the most significant name listed on the Broncos’ first injury report of the week, on which the team made sure to note “We did not practice today, so this report is an estimation.”
However, Greenlaw’s status was a source of intrigue before the report.
“Dre Greenlaw played in 71% of the snaps yesterday before leaving just before the 2 minute warning with a hamstring injury,” DNVR’s Zac Stevens posted on X on December 22.
9News’ Mike Klis shared a clip on X on Monday that showed Greenlaw pulling up while chasing after Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne during a play. Greenlaw did not return in the 34-20 Broncos loss.
Greenlaw missed time earlier in the season due to a quad injury.
That affected him during the offseason program, too, while Greenlaw also missed one game due to a suspension.
Greenlaw signed with the Broncos in free agency this past offseason, inking a three-year, $31.5 million contract after beginning his career with the San Francisco 49ers. Injuries have been a theme of his career, which the Broncos hoped to manage.
Tuesday’s injury report looms large for Greenlaw and several of his Broncos teammates.
Broncos List 2 Other Starters as Non-Participants
GettyPat Bryant #13 of the Denver Broncos warms up before facing the Tennessee Titans.
Greenlaw’s absence is a headliner, but two other Broncos players–center Luke Wattenberg and wide receiver Pat Bryant–were also inactive on the day.
Bryant’s would-be absence is unsurprising, given that he exited the Broncos’ loss to the Jaguars in an ambulance and was taken to the hospital for evaluation. Bryant was released later in the evening and is in concussion protocol.
The short week could present problems for his ability to clear all of the phases to face KC.
Bryant has been the Broncos’ WR2 for several weeks, but they still have Marvin Mims and Troy Franklin to take pressure off Courtland Sutton on the perimeter.
Wattenberg’s situation is a surprise, given that he finished the loss to the Jaguars. The Broncos just got starting left guard Ben Powers back in the mix in Week 16, but he played a part-time role, rotating in with Alex Palczewski, after a long layoff.
Wattenberg missed four games due to injuries for the Broncos in 2024.
Bryant, Greenlaw, and Wattenberg would all be significant losses for the Broncos, who also face concerns with their roster depth.
Broncos TE Suffers Injury Setback
GettyNate Adkins #45 of the Denver Broncos on field against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Broncos tight end Nate Adkins appears to have either suffered a setback with his previously injured knee or incurred a new issue in Week 16.
Adkins has been back in the lineup for the Broncos after a five-game absence due to a knee injury. Denver has had a noteworthy season from its revamped tight end room, but Adkins’ ability to also play fullback set him apart from the rest of the group.
He has played in eight games this season, starting five.
The Broncos have two more days, but likely just one more practice–in which they can opt to hold another walkthrough–putting Adkins and his teammates in a time crunch to face the Chiefs.
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