Broncos Gear Up for Key AFC Clash with Encouraging Injury News and Bo Nix Recognition
The Denver Broncos are back on the practice field and riding high after Sunday’s win over the Green Bay Packers. With a pivotal AFC showdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars looming, Wednesday’s session offered a promising glimpse at the team’s health - and some well-earned recognition for their rookie quarterback.
RJ Harvey and Pat Bryant Return to Practice
One of the biggest questions coming out of Sunday’s game was the status of rookie running back RJ Harvey. During the broadcast, there was mention of a rib issue that made his return questionable.
But any lingering concern was eased when Harvey was fully present and participating in Wednesday’s practice. He was active during team stretches and individual drills, which is a strong sign that the injury may not be as serious as initially feared.
While we’ll have to wait for the official injury report to see if he’s listed, his involvement in practice is a positive development - especially with Denver’s backfield playing a critical role in their recent offensive rhythm.
Also back on the field was rookie wide receiver Pat Bryant. Bryant missed all of last week’s practices and sat out the win against Green Bay, but his return to the field Wednesday gives the Broncos another weapon as they prepare for Jacksonville’s secondary. His size and ability to stretch the field vertically could be an asset in this upcoming matchup.
Ben Powers Trending Toward Return
Left guard Ben Powers was once again present at practice, marking his second consecutive week of participation. While the team hasn’t officially confirmed his return timeline, back-to-back weeks of practice activity suggest he could be trending toward suiting up against the Jaguars. Getting Powers back would be a significant boost to an offensive line that’s been steadily improving in both pass protection and run blocking.
Linebacker Depth Remains in Focus
The only notable absence from Wednesday’s practice was linebacker Justin Strnad, who exited Sunday’s game with a lower leg injury and didn’t return. That leaves the Broncos a bit thin at the position, with Alex Singleton, Dre Greenlaw, and Jordan Turner currently holding down the fort.
But there’s potential help on the horizon. Rookie linebacker Karene Reid, who had been sidelined since Week 10 with a hamstring injury, returned to the field Wednesday and officially began his 21-day window to be activated from injured reserve. Reid was making strides before the injury, and if he can get back to game shape quickly, he could provide some much-needed depth and special teams help.
Bo Nix Earns FedEx Air & Ground Player of the Week Honors
Bo Nix continues to make waves in his rookie season, and on Wednesday, he picked up a well-deserved accolade. Nix was named one of the FedEx Air & Ground Players of the Week following his standout performance against the Packers.
The rookie quarterback tied his career-high with four touchdown passes, completing 23 of 34 attempts for 302 yards and a passer rating of 134.7. It’s the fourth time in his young career he’s hit the four-touchdown mark, and this latest outing helped power Denver to a much-needed win.
This is Nix’s first time being named a FedEx Player of the Week this season, and the honor comes with more than just bragging rights. A $2,000 donation was made to Food Bank of the Rockies - part of the Feeding America network - in his name, tying his on-field success to a meaningful off-field impact.
Looking Ahead
With a crucial AFC matchup against Jacksonville on deck, the Broncos are getting healthier at just the right time. The return of key rookies like Harvey and Bryant, the potential reactivation of Karene Reid, and the steady progress of Ben Powers all point toward a team rounding into form.
And with Bo Nix showing continued growth under center, Denver looks poised to keep building momentum as the playoff race heats up.