Sean Payton provides update on Denver Broncos OLB Nik Bonitto after injury scare in Tuesday training camp practice
Denver Broncos star OLB Nik Bonitto left practice hobbled by an apparent injury and did not return on Tuesday. The latest from Sean Payton isn’t a lot to go on, but at least suggests that it’s nothing serious.
The Denver Broncos had a scary moment during training camp practice on Tuesday, Aug. 4.
Star outside linebacker Nik Bonitto was participating in 9-on-7 run drills before he limped off the field following a play. He was assisted by two trainers, who helped him off the field. Bonitto was eventually taken back to the locker room for further evaluation after walking on the sidelines with a pretty substantial limp.
Several media members covering the Broncos noted the incident, including 9News reporter Mike Klis. Bonitto did not return to practice, missing about an hour of work due to the injury.
After practice, Sean Payton was asked about the injury and was very curt with reporters.
“No update, he’ll be fine,” Payton said.
It’s admittedly not much to go on, but it feels like good news as it relates to any long-term injury for the Broncos’ best pass rusher. However, it still raises plenty of questions. What exactly is the injury? Will Bonitto be able to return to the practice field during Denver’s next training camp session?
Denver Broncos cannot afford to lose Nik Bonitto for any stretch of time
While the edge rusher position is one the Broncos believe they are deep at, Bonitto has become the star pass rusher Denver always seems to have.
Over the past two seasons in particular, Bonitto has accounted for 27.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and an interception return for a touchdown. He started 31 regular-season games during that span and has made his mark as one of the most dominant and consistent pass rushers in the league.
The Broncos are already facing questions surrounding Jonathan Cooper, who is participating in training camp practices. However, he has a hearing coming up in late August stemming from off-field incidents involving an ex-girlfriend this offseason. It’s possible Cooper could face discipline from the league for a violation of the personal conduct policy. If that is the case, any sort of injury to a player like Bonitto would put the Broncos in a tenuous position.
Denver does have a strong depth chart at the outside linebacker position, with players like Dondrea Tillman, Jonah Elliss, and Que Robinson waiting in the wings behind Bonitto and Cooper. However, those players are great as rotational depth pieces. The question is whether they’re the type of players who can start and give the Broncos the same caliber of performance that Bonitto and Cooper can provide.
That’s something Denver fans are not going to want to find out. Based on Payton’s comments, they may not have to worry about it when it comes to Bonitto. The big question remains: When will he be back on the field?
