The Denver Broncos just wrapped up mandatory minicamp, where several players were sidelined.
After bringing in a multitude of new faces, including multiple players anticipated to be key starters on defense, one of them was reportedly dealing with an injury this week.
Former San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw, who just signed a three-year contract worth $35 million, was out after straining his quad at organized team activities (OTAs).
Greenlaw has been one of the best players on the 49ers' defense for several years and is expected to play a similarly important role for Denver this season.
According to Jon Heath of Broncos Wire, eight total players were sidelined from minicamp or entirely absent.
That list included former third-round pick linebacker Jonah Elliss, safety P.J. Locke, defensive lineman Kristian Williams, running back Blake Watson, and long snapper Mitchell Fraboni. Wide receivers A.T. Perry and Devaughn Vele were also absent.
General view of construction of a new Denver Broncos training faciality during minicamp at Broncos Park Powered by CommonSpirit.
General view of construction of a new Denver Broncos training faciality during minicamp at Broncos Park Powered by CommonSpirit.
Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Broncos head coach Sean Payton commented on Vele and Perry specifically, but noted positive news for everyone who was absent or injured.
“He’s (Vele) going to be full-go start of training camp,’’ Payton said. “Everything is good. There may be one player, Perry, that might go a week into training camp and then be ready depending on how the summer goes. Outside of that, we expect everyone back.”
So far this offseason, there have been no significant injuries. If Payton is right and the team will make it to training camp pretty much unscathed, the hype train is bound to keep on rolling for Denver this offseason.