The Broncos got a major boost ahead of their Week 14 matchup with the Raiders.Â
As the Broncos reported, defensive lineman Zach Allen and wide receiver Pat Bryant avoided game designations on Fridayâs final injury report and will play on Sunday.Â
Allen was added to the report Thursday with a calf issue but returned as a full participant today.Â
Bryant practiced for a second straight day on a limited basis despite a hamstring injury.
Denver head coach Sean Payton has emphasized the importance of depth and availability during the teamâs playoff push.Â
Fridayâs update delivered exactly that and is great news for Broncos fans.Â
Allen and Bryant to Play After Midweek Injury ConcernsÂ
Zach Allenâs return to full participation was one of the most encouraging developments of the week for the Broncos.Â
After popping up on Thursday with a calf injury, his status briefly became a concern, but the defensive lineman was back on the field Friday with no restrictions.Â
Without a game designation, Allen is expected to suit up, giving Denver one of its most important front-seven pieces.Â
Allen has been a stabilizing force on the defensive line all season, and his presence becomes even more crucial with D.J. Jones (ankle) officially ruled out.Â
On offense, Pat Bryantâs continued involvement despite a hamstring issue is equally meaningful.
Bryant remained limited Friday but also avoided a game status, indicating he is on track to play.Â
The rookie wideout has quietly become a reliable contributor, recording 18 catches for 273 yards.Â
That may not jump off the page but he is quietly becoming a bigger part of the Denver offense each week.Â
Over the last two weeks, he has eight catches on 13 targets for 124 yards. He has four catches over 20 yards on the season and two of 40 yards in two of his last three games.Â
His emergence has helped balance Denverâs passing attack and provided Bo Nix with a dependable deep target in key moments.
With Allen and Bryant trending toward playing, Denver heads into Sunday far healthier than expected earlier in the week.Â
Broncos Look to Correct Mistakes in Critical Divisional Rematch
Denverâs return to near-full strength comes at a crucial time.Â
They narrowly escaped their last meeting with the Raiders.
While they escaped with a win, several issues stood out. Â
Las Vegas has been inconsistent this season but remains aggressive on defense and Denver certainly felt that in their previous matchup a few weeks ago.Â
The Broncos will need sharper execution from the opening drive.
Denver only scored 10 points and only had 234 yards of total offense. It was by far their worst offensive performance of the season.Â
Pat Bryantâs presence gives Nix another weapon against a weak Raiders secondary.Â
This Raiders defense is in the bottom 10 against the pass in 2025, so it will be crucial that Bo Nix and the offense get into a rhythm early.Â
Zach Allenâs availability strengthens a defensive unit that has carried Denver during its nine-game winning streak.
Disrupting the Raidersâ rhythm early and preventing long drives will be crucial in avoiding another close game.Â
The Broncos currently lead the AFC West by two games over the Chargers, but they trail the Patriots for the AFCâs No. 1 overall seed.Â
They are going to be fighting for this crucial spot and taking care of business against the Raiders is the first step to achieving that goal.
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