The Broncos may be inching toward getting Marvin Mims Jr. back at just the right time.
Mims was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice as Denver opened prep for Sunday’s game against the San Francisco 49ers, a notable jump after he was limited in all three practices last week because of a foot injury. The Broncos have kept him out for two straight games, but Wednesday’s workload suggested he’s moving closer to a return.
He was listed as questionable before Sunday night’s dramatic win over the Los Angeles Rams, then was ruled inactive for the second week in a row. Mims has not played since Denver’s season-opening loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, missing the Broncos’ 20-13 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars and then sitting again against Los Angeles.
Denver hasn’t made any official call on his status for Sunday, but the step from limited work last week to full participation is a strong sign. Mims was one of three Broncos to log full practice reps Wednesday, alongside wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and running back J.K. Dobbins.
If he does get the green light, Denver would be adding more than just another target for Bo Nix. Mims has also been one of the league’s most dangerous return men, a role the Broncos have had to patch together in his absence. He earned second-team All-Pro honors as a rookie in 2023 and first-team All-Pro honors in 2024, led the NFL with 15.7 yards per punt return last season, and has taken both a kickoff and a punt back for touchdowns in his career.
Without him, the Broncos leaned on practice-squad receiver Kolbe Katsis against the Rams. Katsis handled most of the return work and averaged 13 yards on three punt returns and 26.8 yards on four kickoff returns.
Mims’ availability should come into focus later in the week. Denver will release another practice report Thursday before issuing game statuses Friday.
The Broncos head to San Francisco at 2-1 after rallying from a 16-point halftime hole to beat the Rams 30-26. If Mims keeps trending the right way, Denver could have another important piece back as it tries to extend its winning streak to three.
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