The Denver Broncos enter 2026 NFL training camp with a relatively healthy roster, though several key players remain on the mend from injuries sustained during the 2025 season and throughout the offseason program.

Denver’s injury situation includes its star quarterback, multiple offensive linemen, and a few defenders who sat out portions of OTAs and mandatory minicamp. For a team coming off a playoff run, the Broncos appear to be in solid shape, but there are names worth tracking as camp approaches.

The biggest name on the list is quarterback Bo Nix, who suffered an ankle injury that sidelined him for the AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots. Nix’s health is the single most important variable for Denver heading into 2026. The Broncos’ ceiling for the upcoming season is directly tied to his availability and health. Any setback with the ankle would shift the calculus for the entire organization.

Players who sat out of the Broncos’ mandatory minicamp

During OTAs, 10 Broncos players sat out practice. That number dropped to seven during mandatory minicamp, which is a positive trend. Here’s a look at the players who sat out of practice:

• Tight end Caleb Lohner (lower body injury)
• Offensive lineman Nick Gargiulo (knee injury)
• Guard Ben Powers (undisclosed)
• Center Alex Forsyth (undisclosed)
• Offensive lineman Calvin Throckmorton (undisclosed)
• Defensive back Jaden Robinson (undisclosed)

There was also Jonathon Cooper, who was out of practice for non-injury-related off-field issues. The number of undisclosed issues on the offensive line is notable. Powers, Forsyth, and Throckmorton all being limited creates some uncertainty up front, even if none of those situations appear to be long-term concerns at this point.

Other key players are bouncing back from significant injuries

J.K. Dobbins is always a name to watch, given his injury history. He landed on injured reserve with a foot injury in 2025. While the Broncos opened his 21-day practice window ahead of the AFC Championship Game, the team ultimately decided to hold him out long-term to continue his recovery with a focus toward the future.

Fellow running back RJ Harvey sustained a torn labrum during the AFC Championship Game in January. He has since had surgery, recovered, and should be ready to participate when camp opens. That’s a significant boost for a Broncos offense that leaned heavily on Harvey’s production during their playoff push.

Offensive lineman Matt Peart is another player to watch. Peart suffered a torn MCL one season ago, and his timeline for full participation in training camp remains a point to monitor.

Broncos HC Sean Payton expresses confidence in the roster’s health

Denver coach Sean Payton struck an optimistic tone at the end of mandatory minicamp when addressing reporters.

“Fortunately, I think we’re coming into the training camp pretty healthy,” Payton said. “There will be some guys that are here training and working on rehab. That time will come.”

Payton’s comments track with what the Broncos showed throughout the offseason workout program. The reduction from 10 sidelined players during OTAs to seven during minicamp suggests the training staff is managing workloads carefully rather than dealing with a rash of serious setbacks. The big thing for Denver is maintaining that level of health into training camp and the preseason. It’s easier said than done, with the injury bug often striking at least one position group unexpectedly.

What happens to the players who aren’t ready to participate in training camp?

For players who can’t practice when camp begins, the Broncos have options. Denver could place them on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list or the non-football injury (NFI) list, depending on the nature of the absence.

The Broncos’ overall health picture heading into camp looks promising compared to some teams across the league. If Nix’s ankle holds up and the offensive line gets its full complement back on the field early in camp, Denver will be in a strong position to build on last season’s playoff appearance.