The Denver Broncos are limping into Week 16 with a growing list of injuries that’s starting to shape the outlook of their season. On Monday, safety Brandon Jones became the latest name added to the injured reserve list with a pectoral injury. While the full extent of the injury hasn’t been disclosed, the IR designation means he’ll be sidelined for at least four games - effectively ruling him out for the remainder of the regular season.
That brings Denver’s IR count to 11 players, a number that’s hard to ignore as the team battles for playoff position. And while some of those players are eligible to return, others are done for the year, leaving the Broncos to rely on depth and adaptability down the stretch.
Who’s Done for the Year
Four players are officially out for the season unless released from IR and picked up elsewhere - a scenario that’s unlikely this late in the year. That group includes:
- FB Michael Burton - A key piece in short-yardage and special teams situations, Burton’s absence impacts the Broncos’ flexibility in the run game.
- OL Nick Gargiulo - The rookie guard/center was a depth option along the offensive line, and his loss thins out a unit that’s already been tested.
- OLB Johnny Walker - A rotational pass rusher who showed flashes, Walker’s season ends before he could make a bigger impact.
- DE Matt Henningsen - A high-motor defensive lineman, Henningsen’s injury takes away an important rotational piece on the defensive front.
These are not just names - they’re contributors, and their absence forces Denver to shuffle both personnel and schemes as they head into a crucial final stretch.
Who Could Be Back
The silver lining? Several important players are eligible to return soon, and a couple have already resumed practice.
- G Ben Powers (biceps) - Powers returned to practice last week, which is a big deal. When healthy, he’s one of Denver’s most reliable interior linemen.
His return would be a major boost for both pass protection and run blocking.
- ILB Drew Sanders (foot) - Another player who’s been designated to return and is working his way back.
Sanders brings speed and versatility to the linebacker group, and his presence could shore up a defense that’s dealt with its share of inconsistencies.
- LB Karene Reid - Also eligible to return now.
Reid’s athleticism and special teams value make him a useful piece as the Broncos look to stay fresh defensively.
- TE Lucas Krull - He’s a possible December return.
While he’s not a top target, Krull adds depth and size to the tight end room, which could come in handy in red-zone packages.
- OL Matt Peart - His timeline is still uncertain, but Peart’s potential return would give Denver another big body on the offensive line - something they could definitely use.
- RB J.K. Dobbins - Perhaps the most intriguing name on the list.
His return is a long shot, only possible if the Broncos make a deep playoff run. But if they do, having a fresh Dobbins in the backfield could be a game-changer.
The Numbers Game
The NFL allows teams to designate up to eight players to return from IR during the season. Denver has already used five of those designations, including ones for Powers and Sanders. That means they’ve still got three return slots left to work with - a bit of breathing room, but not much.
With postseason hopes still alive, every roster decision becomes magnified. The Broncos are walking a tightrope, trying to balance injury management with the urgency of the playoff chase. Getting Powers and Sanders back in the coming weeks would be a huge help, but the margin for error is shrinking.
Bottom line: the Broncos are banged up, but not broken. If they can get some key pieces back and stay afloat in the standings, they’ll have a shot to make noise in January. But with 11 players on IR and only a few return slots left, the next few weeks will be a test of depth, coaching, and resilience.