Evan Engram, Denver Broncos
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Evan Engram #1 of the Denver Broncos at the 2024 NFL Pro Bowl Games.
The Denver Broncos will have tight end Evan Engram on the field in Week 2 on the road against the Indianapolis Colts after he shook off a calf strain sustained in Week 1 and practiced all week in preparation for Sunday. He could also see a bigger role in Week 2.
How much Engram will see the field remains a mystery, and not just because of the injury either.
Engram’s usage against the Tennessee Titans belied his projected role with the Broncos, but head coach Sean Payton suggested changes as soon as Week 2.
Sean Payton: Broncos Want to ‘Take Advantage’ of Evan Engram’s Skill Set
Evan Engram, Denver Broncos
GettyEvan Engram #1 of the Denver Broncos runs after a catch against the Arizona Cardinals.
A two-time Pro Bowler, Engram signed a two-year, $23 million contract with the Broncos in free agency this offseason. His three-catch, 21-yard showing on 26 snaps, per Pro Football Focus, was far under expectation after the way Payton lauded what Engram could bring to the offense.
Engram’s 3.0 receptions per game would be a career-low mark, and he did not exit the Broncos’ Week 1 win until the third quarter.
There is certainly room for Engram’s role in the Broncos’ offense to expand, and that is the plan.
“I think we always look at all our touches,” Payton told reporters on September 12 when asked about Engram’s Week 1 usage. “When you put plays in, there’s a primary – like there’s some ways where you can get him a touch, or you think you can. And so, I can’t off the top of my tip – but I mean, he’s going to be one of those matchups that we want to take advantage of.”
Engram, 31, noted that the Broncos’ offense is looking to protect the ball and score more points, among other things, starting in Week 2.
Engram’s injury history remains a concern, even though he was able to shake this recent issue off quickly and avoid missing time. He played in nine games in 2024 and has logged full regular-season slates three times in nine seasons.
Evan Engram Helps Bo Nix
Bo Nix, Denver Broncos
GettyBo Nix #10 of the Denver Broncos walks on the field after a game against the Arizona Cardinals.
Engram touted the ways he expected Engram to help the Broncos and, specifically, quarterback Bo Nix, by creating and exploiting mismatches in the “interior triangle” of the field. There were even glimpses of it in Week 1.
“The interior triangle of your passing game – the tight end, the running back, the third receiver – when you’re seeing a lot of these coverage shell looks, those positions have to thrive,” Payton told reporters in March. “I just think, man, it’s hard to play that position if you’re not able to attack the interior triangle of some of the looks we’re getting defensively. This, I think, helps Bo.”
Nix was part of the Broncos’ recruitment of Engram, and the tight end has expressed his confidence in the second-year quarterback.
Evan Engram Embracing ‘Joker’ Role, Expectations
Evan Engram, Denver Broncos
GettyEvan Engram #1 of the Denver Broncos runs after catching a pass against the Arizona Cardinals.
There have been doubts about Engram’s ability to live up to the X-factor expectations. He has embraced being the Broncos’ “joker” since signing.
Engram even explained his previous usage, potentially allaying some concerns.
“In Jacksonville, I was kind of a master of the underneath game, which is big for offenses. It’s big for young quarterbacks. It’s big for staying ahead of the chains. And I love that role in the offense, and I’m going to continue to … be great at that, and be great at whatever I’m asked to do,” Engram told ex-Broncos WR Bennie Fowler on the “DNVR Broncos Podcast” in April.
“The vertical presence that [Payton] mentioned and brought to the table and the vision he had for that was really big for me, too. Because I do have that part of my game and am kind of ready to be unleashed in that aspect. And just the vision that he has for that is that ‘Joker’ role.”
Week 2 against the Colts, whom Engram knows well after three seasons in Jacksonville, is the next opportunity to prove that he and the Broncos made the right decision this offseason.