Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton.
The Denver Broncos are one step closer to getting a familiar face back on defense and special teams.
Linebacker Garret Wallow has officially been designated for return from injured reserve, the team announced Wednesday. The move opens a 21-day practice window for Wallow to rejoin the active roster — and he could be eligible to play as soon as this week against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Denver also signed defensive end Garrett Nelson to the practice squad as part of its midweek roster shuffle.
Broncos Open Wallow’s Return Window Before the Chiefs Game
Wallow took the practice field Wednesday for the first time since landing on injured reserve ahead of Week 7. Under NFL rules, the Broncos now have 21 days to activate him to the 53-man roster. If they don’t, he’ll revert to IR for the remainder of the 2025 season.
The former TCU standout has appeared in five games this year, logging a significant role on special teams. In those appearances, Wallow played 63 percent of the special teams snaps, providing core depth in coverage units and spot defensive help at linebacker, per the team’s reporting.
If the Broncos choose to activate him this week, Wallow could make his return in one of the AFC’s most high-profile matchups – a divisional test against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs.
What It Means for Denver’s Depth & Special Teams
Denver’s linebacker group has battled through injuries for most of the season, with several players rotating in and out of the lineup. After Alex Singleton’s cancerous diagnosis and surgery, and Drew Sanders and Karene Reid landing on IR, the Broncos will need more bodies in the linebacking department.
Wallow’s potential return could stabilize the special teams unit and offer a familiar face for coordinator Darren Rizzi heading into a crucial stretch of the schedule.
Head coach Sean Payton has emphasized depth and versatility throughout the season, particularly on special teams. Wallow’s presence would allow Denver to re-balance its linebacker rotations, possibly easing the workload on Dre Greenlaw, Jonathan Cooper and Nik Bonitto, depending on activation timing.
Meanwhile, the addition of Garrett Nelson gives the Broncos another developmental edge option. Nelson spent part of the season on Denver’s practice squad and flashed in preseason, recording five tackles, a quarterback hit, and a half-sack in three exhibition games.
If activated, Wallow would join a defense that has quietly improved in recent weeks after a difficult start, climbing the league rankings in red-zone efficiency and tackling percentage.
Broncos IR Tracker: Who’s Next to Return?
The Wallow designation marks the fourth time this season the Broncos have used the NFL’s “designated to return” tag — a move each team can make up to eight times per year.
So far, Denver has designated:
DT Malcolm Roach (Week 6)
LB Dre Greenlaw (Week 7)
LB Drew Sanders (beginning of season — window not yet active)
LB Garret Wallow (Week 11)
Sanders has not yet returned to practice, leaving the Broncos with flexibility to manage remaining IR slots heading into the second half of the season.
If Wallow shows no physical setbacks in practice this week, the team could elevate him in time for the Chiefs game — a matchup that could have AFC West implications if Denver continues to climb the standings.