Sean Payton and the Denver Broncos wrapped another day of practice ahead of facing the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Divisional Playoffs, and there were several noteworthy developments for a roster that has been through plenty of adversity this season.
This week’s test features a matchup against last season’s AFC runners-up in the Bills, and the reigning MVP in quarterback Josh Allen.
Every roster decision the Broncos make at this point is critical.
Broncos Give Encouraging Roster Update for Bills Game
GettyDre Greenlaw #57 of the Denver Broncos celebrates a stop against the Houston Texans.
The headliners on the Broncos’ final injury report of the week were defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers and linebacker Dre Greenlaw. Both players missed the Broncos’ win over the Los Angeles Chargers in the regular-season finale.
In a positive turn of events, both players ended the week with a full practice session and have been cleared for Saturday’s contest.
Franklin-Myers was a full participant all week.
Greenlaw began with back-to-back limited sessions before upgrading on Thursday, the Broncos’ final day of on-field preparation before hosting the Bills. Of the two, his status was the most in doubt, given that he played in just eight games during the regular season.
Franklin-Myers logged 16-plus for the second straight season and was considered the safer bet to return.
The Broncos are free of concerns over both players, but not necessarily the rest of the roster.
Broncos Rule Out Reserve Duo
GettyDrew Sanders #41 of the Denver Broncos looks to make a tackle against the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Wild Card Playoffs.
While Franklin-Myers and Greenlaw are good to go, the Broncos went in the opposite direction with linebacker Drew Sanders and tight end Lucas Krull.
Sanders was a third-round pick by the Broncos in the 2023 draft. He offers versatility to play inside and outside. He has also battled foot and Achilles tendon injuries since entering the league. Sanders was not expected to be cleared for this contest.
The Broncos designated Sanders for return on January 10.
However, his return to practice opens up the possibility of a return if the Broncos advance to the AFC Championship game. Sanders would be even more likely to return for the Super Bowl.
Krull is a former undrafted free agent. He began his career with the New Orleans Saints in 2022 and signed with the Broncos in 2023. Payton once viewed Krull as a potential “Joker” option, but the team has since moved on to other options.
The Broncos have until January 31 to activate Sanders and February 3 to activate Krull. If not, the players will remain on IR for the rest of the campaign.
The Super Bowl is on February 8, leaving an extended runway for Krull.
Odds Swing Back in Broncos’ Favor
GettyDenver Broncos head coach Sean Payton looks on before facing the Green Bay Packers.
Much was made earlier in the week about the Broncos being underdogs, despite being the higher seed and the home team.
That has since shifted. Per Vegas Insider on January 15, the Broncos are 1.5-point favorites against the Bills, who have suffered a rash of costly injuries at wide receiver and in their defensive backfield.
The Broncos must still play the game on the field.
Every Super Bowl run includes good fortune, though. The hits to the Bills’ roster bode well for the Broncos entering this contest.
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