Sean Payton gives training camp return timeline for injured Broncos WR Jaylen Waddle, who was seen limping at practice on Thursday
Denver Broncos HC Sean Payton spoke about WR Jaylen Waddle’s injury, when he might return, and told reporters to expect more load management days for some veterans.
Denver Broncos WR Jaylen Waddle is dealing with a left leg strain that will sideline him for several days, according to Broncos head coach Sean Payton.
The 2026 trade acquisition left Wednesday’s training camp practice after stepping out of a one-on-one drill. He walked into the locker room under his own power, escorted by head athletic trainer Vince Garcia. Waddle did not return to practice that day. Payton initially offered only a brief update, saying the receiver was dealing with muscle tightness and would be evaluated further.
Denver Broncos HC Sean Payton reveals Jaylen Waddle’s injury
On Thursday, Waddle did not participate in practice. He was spotted without a helmet, wearing shorts, and walking with a heavy limp during the session. After practice, Payton provided reporters with a more significant update.
“He has a strain. I think we’ll see him back in the next 4 to 5 days,” Payton said.
The 27-year-old Waddle caught 64 passes for 910 yards and 6 touchdowns in 16 games last season. He is a massive part of Denver’s plans for the 2026 season, so the quicker the Broncos can get him back on the field, the better. However, limping at practice raises concerns about his availability, and it makes you wonder how quickly he can realistically return to full participation.
Denver will likely take a cautious approach with Waddle, considering the significant investment it took to acquire him. The Broncos traded first-, third-, and fourth-round selections in the 2026 NFL Draft to land the former Dolphins receiver.
Other injury updates from Denver Broncos training camp
Waddle was not the only notable name to monitor at Thursday’s practice. Outside linebacker Nik Benitto and wide receiver Courtland Sutton were both back doing walkthroughs ahead of practice. However, they did not take part in team drills.
Sutton spoke to the media after the session, explaining that his two days off this week were planned and that he is not dealing with any injury. Benitto had left practice earlier in the week after sustaining an injury during a 9-on-7 run drill.
The Broncos had several players absent from Thursday’s practice, including center Luke Wattenberg, cornerback Jaden Robinson, and outside linebacker Dasan McCullough. Offensive lineman Nick Gargiulo remains on the Active/PUP list.
During practice, offensive lineman Ben Powers left at the start of team periods. His departure was not due to injury. It was planned rest for Powers, a load management decision for a player coming back from multiple injuries suffered during the 2025 NFL season.
“You’re going to see (load management) with a number of guys the next three days,” Payton said, via Denver Post columnist Parker Gabriel.
Getting Waddle healthy before the real games begin is the clear priority for Payton’s staff. His role in Denver’s offense is too significant for the team to take unnecessary risks with his recovery, so expect some continued caution leading into preseason Week 1 against the Falcons. If I had to guess, Waddle might not return to practice until after the team returns from Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
