The Denver Broncos are hoping linebacker Dre Greenlaw returns to the field this weekend.
It’s been a long time coming waiting for Greenlaw’s debut in orange and blue, but things continue to trend in a positive direction.
The Broncos opened Greenlaw’s window to return from IR on Wednesday and he practiced again on Thursday. Greenlaw’s been dealing with a quad issue since April that appears to finally be on the mend.
And while head coach Sean Payton didn’t want to talk much about Greenlaw earlier this week, defensive coordinator Vance Joseph was in more of a sharing mood.
Particularly, what it might look like if Dre Greenlaw does play on Sunday against the New York Giants.
“I think if he returns this week it’s going to be in a part-time role, maybe, we’ll see. We’re not sure if that’s going to happen this weekend or next,” Joseph said.
The Broncos have been playing Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad at inside linebacker, but Greenlaw’s presence would immediately help that unit. Both Singleton and Strnad have had their moments, but Greenlaw is elite when healthy.
“He’s in good spirits, he’s worked hard, he’s in the right mindset. So, we’ll see how Sunday plays out, but once he gets out there we’ll feel him. Everyone will,” Joseph said.
The Broncos defense is hoping to make the Giants feel their presence, as New York has won two of its last three games since inserting rookie QB Jaxson Dart.
As for Dre Greenlaw, he’s not going to shift the Broncos identity on defense, but rather just be another key piece on perhaps the best unit in the NFL.
“It won’t change much schematically. I think, obviously, when you have a good player it helps you become a better defense,” Joseph said. “He’s been a great player for a long time and that won’t change. I’m looking forward to him getting back on the field and helping us win.”
Whether or not that’s Sunday remains to be seen, but regardless, Dre Greenlaw will play in a Denver uniform soon enough.