The Denver Broncos had a scare with Jaylen Waddle in the second half of their Week 6 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, briefly putting the team’s top receiver in question after he disappeared to the locker room before halftime.
Waddle’s exit wasn’t tied to a clear moment on the field, but he was seen heading inside before the first half ended and did not come back out for the start of the second half. Before leaving, he had two catches for 15 yards.
The Broncos later listed Waddle as officially questionable to return with a shoulder injury, according to The Denver Post’s Parker Gabriel. For a while, that looked like a real setback for Denver, especially since Waddle had not emerged from the locker room.
UPDATE: Waddle has returned to the game for the Broncos.
Jaylen Waddle is in the huddle as the Broncos prepare to begin their second drive of the third quarter.
- Nick Kosmider (@NickKosmider) October 16, 2026
Waddle entered the game as Denver’s leading receiver on the season, with 18 receptions on 31 targets for 204 yards and a touchdown. His start in Denver has been uneven, but the bigger picture has also included the struggles of quarterback Bo Nix and the Broncos’ offense.
If Waddle had been unable to return, Denver would have needed Courtland Sutton and Marvin Mims to help carry the passing game, among others. The Broncos’ offense did show more life in the first half of Week 6, and that was notable against an elite defense, but there was still plenty of football left as the game continued.
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The NFLs review backed up that frustration, fining Mustapha $6,998 for the play and effectively confirming the missed call. No other players from the game were fined, but for Seattle supporters, the bigger point is hard to miss: the league looked at the same hit and came to the conclusion many in the building already had. [Read more 🡒]
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It was not just one spot breaking down, either. Charles Cross, Abraham Lucas, Jalen Sundell, Grey Zabel, Christian Haynes and Beau Stephens all had their share of pressures allowed, while George Holani has also had trouble in pass protection. For a team trying to build any kind of offensive rhythm, the issue is no longer isolated enough to shrug off, and it is starting to shape every conversation about how the offense can function going forward. [Read more 🡒]