Broncos Get Crucial Practice Updates on Multiple Key Players Ahead of Bills Matchup

The Denver Broncos received a wave of encouraging news during Tuesday’s practice as they prepare for Saturday’s Divisional Round showdown against the Buffalo Bills. 

As Broncos wire noted, several key contributors returned to the field or trending in the right direction at the perfect time. 

According to Zac Stevens, every player on the Broncos’ 53-man roster practiced today.

Linebacker Dre Greenlaw, defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers, center Alex Forsyth, safety P.J. Locke, and left tackle Garett Bolles all practiced today. 

This is extremely positive news across multiple position groups ahead of the biggest game of the season. 

All signs point to those guys playing. 

Greenlaw’s return was especially notable. 

The veteran linebacker officially participated in practice after missing significant time due to a hamstring injury. 

He was moving “fluidly” during drills and continuing his ramp-up ahead of Saturday.

Tight end Lucas Krull and linebacker Drew Sanders both practiced as well after recently being designated to return from injured reserve.

These roster moves give Denver additional depth options with activation windows now open.

The only negative news the Denver Broncos got today was that J.K Dobbins missed practice, but that was expected. 

Broncos Getting Healthy at the Right Time

The timing of these returns could not be better for the Denver Broncos.

After battling injuries throughout the season, the Broncos are trending toward being the healthiest they have been all year. 

Greenlaw’s return adds an explosive player to the middle of the defense that will help with Buffalo’s efficient run game. 

“It’s huge to have a healthy Dre Greenlaw back,” Payton said.

Franklin-Myers’ presence adds interior disruption against a Bills offense that thrives when Josh Allen has clean pockets. 

Bolles practicing is a massive development for protecting Bo Nix, especially against Buffalo’s defensive front that may get Ed Oliver back. 

Forsyth’s availability also provides flexibility along the interior offensive line, while Locke’s return would bolster a secondary facing arguably the best QB in football. 

Stopping the downfield passing game will be critical as the Bills offense had five plays over 15 yards through the air, including two plays that were over 35 yards. 

With Sanders and Krull now in the mix as well, the Denver Broncos now has some depth that they’ve lacked at times this season. 

Sean Payton’s Tuesday Press Conference

Head coach Sean Payton made it clear Tuesday that preparation and the atmosphere will be critical.

“We’ve got to earn a fast start and take advantage of the energy and the rest,” Payton said. 

He pointed to the importance of converting the bye week into early momentum. 

Payton also stressed the value of home-field advantage, calling the crowd noise “a huge advantage.” 

He urged fans to be at their loudest whenever Buffalo breaks the huddle. 

 “The noise level needs to be loudest when they enter the huddle,” he said, emphasizing that it must last for every snap the Bills have the ball. 

When asked about being a No. 1 seed underdog, Payton brushed it off. 

“We don’t pay attention to that. Honestly.” 

Tuesday was an encouraging step on the injury front, but how the practice reports trend over the rest of the week will ultimately determine who’s ready to go on Saturday.

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