Broncos Practice Update

Denver balances a preseason win with a shaky offensive day and a flurry of injury updates as camp continues.

Broncos face tough practice as Nix struggles with first team

The Broncos returned to the practice field after a 30-9 preseason win over the 49ers, but the on-field mood shifted with a non-padded ramp-up session that highlighted ongoing issues for the first-team offense. New quarterback Bo Nix faced consistent pressure from a quickly disruptive defense, with Jonathon Cooper and Alex Singleton repeatedly getting into the backfield. In red-zone drills and late-game situations, Nix missed open targets and, at one point, threw an end-zone interception that stalled any late momentum. Denver stressed that this was one practice and not a referendum on the season, noting that padded work and joint sessions with Arizona in the coming days will matter more in evaluating the offense.

Injury news dominated the surrounding chatter. A.T. Perry was cleared from the PUP list and participated on a limited basis, signaling a small but real step toward full participation. Other updates included Drew Sanders’ foot surgery keeping him out through the start of the season, Dre Greenlaw returning to practice in a limited capacity, and Nik Bonitto dealing with a foot issue that is expected to ease soon. The Broncos also continued to monitor Nate Adkins, Reese Taylor, and a handful of other players as camp folds into its deeper stages. On the field, rookie RJ Harvey flashed burst in team periods, and veteran leadership from Pat Surtain II continued to shape the defense. Payton’s comments after practice stressed patience with young players and the value of learning from missteps as the team builds toward the joint practice and a possible final dress rehearsal later in the week.

Denver has a clear front-facing issue: the offense needs cohesion between the line, the play caller, and the quarterback tempo. Nix showed moments of precision but was undone by pressure in predictable situations, underscoring a recurring theme for early camp weariness rather than a full indictment of his talent. The defense, meanwhile, looked disruptive in drills that simulate game tempo, and Cooper’s multiple pressures stand out as a sign the Broncos can win with a front that creates fast, short windows for the ball. The camp story is not just Xs and Os; it is a test of depth and culture. Payton has repeatedly emphasized situational football and the need for players to stay sharp when reps become scarce. The inclusion of veterans like Surtain II in a vocal leadership role signals a team trying to balance youth with accountability. With the schedule thinning into joint practices and a potential final preseason game, the next few days will shape who earns real reps and who rides the bus for Week 1.

Highlights

The road from camp to the regular season is a long one, and this week will test how quickly Denver can translate practice into game readiness.