The Denver Broncos will have a versatile tight end make his return to action against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 3, but it is not Evan Engram. Broncos tight end Nate Adkins, who can also play fullback, will make his 2025 regular-season debut on Sunday.
The Broncos also declared Frank Crum Jaleel McLaughlin, Que Robinson, and Sai’vion Jones inactive. Sam Ehlinger will operate as the emergency QB3. Running back Tyler Badie is active
Meanwhile, the Chargers also announced their list of inactive players, including Cam Hart.
Chargers Rule On LB Daiyan Henley, CB Cam Hart vs Broncos
GettyBo Nix #10 of the Denver Broncos looks on from the bench against the San Francisco 49ers.
The Broncos also got a significant bit of news on game day in Week 3, with the Los Angeles Chargers announcing that starting linebacker Daiyan Henley would be active for their head-to-head showdown.
Henley was listed as questionable on the Chargers’ final injury report of the Week.
A 17-game starter with 147 total tackles in 2024, the decision on Henley is significant for the Chargers, who elevated LB Emany Johnson, and the Broncos in this AFC West contest.
The Chargers were also awaiting a final decision from the training staff about Hart. He has logged 59% of the team’s defensive snaps through two games this season, third among the team’s corners, per Pro Football Reference, for the Broncos game.
Hart’s status was among the more significant decisions left on the table for the Chargers as they prepared to face the Broncos in Week 3. Without him, nickelback Tarheeb Still could be forced into action on the perimeter, where the Chargers also have veteran Donte Jackson.
Hart, who allowed 60.3% completion in his coverage in 2024, is down to 50% in 2025, per PFR.
The Chargers rank 16th against the pass, but they are first in passing touchdowns allowed and fourth in interceptions entering Sunday’s slate of games. The Broncos have the 25th-ranked passing attack and are seventh in passing TDs.
Broncos QB Bo Nix has thrown 3 interceptions this season, underscoring the significance of the news on Hart and Henleys.
Notably, the Chargers will have starting CB Tarheeb Still and wide receiver Ladd McConkey.
Both players enter the contest without an injury designation, which is a big boost for the Chargers and a blow to the Broncos’ outlook. Moreover, the Broncos have their own injury concerns.
Dre Greenlaw, Evan Engram Injuries Loom Large for Broncos
GettyDenver Broncos general manager George Paton addresses reporters at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine.
The Broncos ruled Engram and linebacker Dre Greenlaw out against the Chargers on Friday. They took it a step further with the former, placing him on injured reserve.
That could mean Engram is closer, but the Broncos face scrutiny over both signings.
“When free agency opened and the Broncos bet on players with injury histories, I was concerned,” KOA’s Benjamin Allbright posted on X on September 20. “Greenlaw hasn’t seen the field & is headed to IR, Engram has been a non-factor who will be out this week.”
Allbright noted that safety Talanoa Hufanga has been “everything advertised.” But he is not alone with his concerns for the Broncos about Engram and Greenlaw as the Chargers loom.
“Ugh,” AltitudeTV’s Vic Lombardi posted. “This has not gone well.”
Engram could return to the field as soon as next week, when the Broncos will host the Cincinnati Bengals. Greenlaw must miss at least four games, though, putting his return timeline at Week 7 against the New York Giants.
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