The Denver Broncos got back to work Wednesday with their eyes firmly set on the AFC Championship showdown against the New England Patriots. The stakes are high, the energy is dialed in, and despite a few bumps along the way, this team is embracing its underdog identity - a role they’ve worn well all season.
Jarrett Stidham takes the reins
With Bo Nix sidelined, it’s Jarrett Stidham’s show now. And while it’s never easy to lose a starting quarterback this deep into the postseason, the Broncos aren’t blinking. Stidham stepped in this week and took first-team reps for the first time all season, and by all accounts, he’s settling in quickly.
This isn’t unfamiliar territory for Stidham. He’s been in the league long enough to understand what’s required of a playoff QB, and now it’s about syncing up with Sean Payton’s system and building that crucial in-game chemistry with his playmakers.
From the offensive line to the receiving corps to the backfield, the team is rallying behind him - and that unity showed in Wednesday’s practice. It wasn’t flashy, but it was focused.
Business-like. The kind of tone you want to see heading into a game of this magnitude.
J.K. Dobbins returns to the field
One of the biggest developments from Wednesday’s session was the return of running back J.K. Dobbins. Out since the regular season with a lisfranc injury that required surgery, Dobbins was back on the practice field for the first time - a welcome sight for a Denver offense that could use a spark in the backfield.
While he’s still in the early stages of his 21-day return window, Dobbins appeared to be moving well during the media viewing period. There’s no firm word yet on whether he’ll be activated for Sunday, but his presence alone adds intrigue. If he’s healthy enough to go, even in a limited role, that’s a potentially game-changing weapon for Payton to deploy.
Surprise appearances from Bryant and Franklin
In another encouraging twist, wide receivers Pat Bryant and Troy Franklin were also spotted at practice. Both exited last weekend’s win over Buffalo with injuries - Bryant is in concussion protocol, and Franklin is nursing a hamstring issue - but the fact that they were participating in individual and group drills is a positive sign.
Neither player is a lock for Sunday just yet, but their involvement this early in the week suggests they’re trending in the right direction. For a team that’s already navigating a quarterback change, having as many of your top targets available as possible is critical.
Center Luke Wattenberg reenters the mix
Also back on the field was center Luke Wattenberg, who, like Dobbins, had his 21-day return window officially opened. The Broncos can only activate two players from injured reserve during the playoffs, and it looks like Wattenberg and Dobbins are the top candidates.
Wattenberg’s return would be a big boost to the offensive line, especially with a new quarterback under center. Continuity and protection are everything in January football, and if he’s ready to go, it gives Denver another layer of stability up front.
Locked in and leaning in
This Broncos team has been counted out before. They’ve embraced the underdog label all year, and once again, they’re walking into a massive game with the odds stacked against them. But inside the building, there’s no panic - just preparation.
Wednesday’s practice set the tone. Focused.
Intentional. Confident.
With Stidham stepping up, key pieces like Dobbins and Wattenberg making their way back, and the potential return of Bryant and Franklin, Denver is quietly loading the deck for a run at the AFC crown.
They’re not just happy to be here - they’re here to make noise.