Linebacker Returns to Practice for the Denver Broncos

As the Denver Broncos gear up for the final stretch of the regular season and a potential playoff run, a key defensive piece has taken a major step toward returning: starting linebacker Josey Jewell was activated from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list and participated in his first full practice on Wednesday. Jewell, who has been sidelined since Week 4 with a torn MCL in his right knee, is the Broncos’ leading tackler over the past three seasons and a critical cog in Vance Joseph’s 3-4 defensive scheme. His absence has been felt acutely—Denver’s run defense has slipped from 4th to 11th in the NFL since he went down, and the linebacking corps has relied on a rotation of rookies and role players to fill the gap. For a Broncos team fighting to secure a top-four seed in the AFC, Jewell’s return to practice isn’t just a positive update—it’s a lifeline for a defense that needs to regain its early-season dominance. Linebacker Returns to Practice for the Denver Broncos is a story of timing and relief, as a key leader steps back onto the field just when his team needs him most.

Jewell’s injury in Week 4 against the Kansas City Chiefs was a turning point for the Broncos’ defense, as his absence exposed depth issues at linebacker and forced Joseph to adjust his scheme. The 29-year-old went down in the second quarter while making a tackle on Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco, and initial tests revealed a Grade 2 MCL tear—an injury that typically requires 6-8 weeks of recovery. Before the injury, Jewell was having a career year: he’d recorded 32 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and 1 interception in four games, and was grading as the NFL’s 7th-best linebacker by Pro Football Focus. In his absence, the Broncos turned to second-year player Drew Sanders and rookie seventh-round pick Ben Niemann to split snaps at middle linebacker. While Sanders showed promise (45 tackles, 3 sacks), he struggled with gap discipline—allowing 4.8 yards per carry on runs up the middle, compared to Jewell’s 3.2 yards per carry. Niemann, meanwhile, was solid in pass coverage but lacked the physicality to stop power runs. The result? The Broncos allowed 100+ rushing yards in five of the six games Jewell missed, including a season-high 168 yards to the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 10. Linebacker Returns to Practice for the Denver Broncos is a reminder of just how much Jewell contributes to the defense’s consistency, especially against the run.

Wednesday’s practice marked a significant milestone for Jewell, who participated in all team drills—including 11-on-11 scrimmages—and showed no signs of hesitation with his injured knee. According to Broncos head coach Sean Payton, Jewell’s return was “planned and controlled,” with trainers monitoring his workload closely to avoid re-injury. “Josey looked sharp out there—his lateral movement was good, and he was making the same pre-snap checks he always does,” Payton said in a post-practice press conference. “We’re not rushing him back, but it’s great to see him with his teammates again.” Teammates echoed Payton’s optimism, with defensive tackle Malcolm Roach noting that Jewell’s presence “changes the energy of the defense.” “He’s our quarterback out there—he makes sure everyone is lined up correctly and knows their assignments,” Roach said. “When he’s on the field, we all play faster because we trust him.” Jewell himself downplayed the hype but acknowledged the importance of his return. “It feels good to be back, but I’m taking it one day at a time,” he said. “The team has been fighting hard without me, and I just want to contribute however I can.” While the Broncos haven’t set a timeline for Jewell’s return to game action, his full participation in practice suggests he could be available for their Week 16 matchup with the San Francisco 49ers—a critical game for playoff seeding. Linebacker Returns to Practice for the Denver Broncos is a step toward restoring the defense’s identity as a run-stopping force.

The Denver Broncos’ upcoming schedule makes Jewell’s potential return even more critical, as they face three teams with top-10 rushing offenses in their final four games: the 49ers (5th in rushing yards), the Cincinnati Bengals (8th), and the Los Angeles Rams (10th). Stopping the run has always been the foundation of Joseph’s defense, and without Jewell, the Broncos have struggled to slow down physical running backs like Christian McCaffrey (49ers) and Joe Mixon (Bengals). If Jewell can return in time to face the 49ers, he’ll likely be tasked with shadowing McCaffrey in passing situations and plugging gaps in run defense—roles he excelled at before his injury. The Denver Broncos’ coaching staff is also hopeful that Jewell’s return will allow Sanders to shift back to his natural position at outside linebacker, where he can use his speed to rush the passer and cover tight ends. This positional adjustment would strengthen the entire linebacking corps, as Sanders struggled in the middle but has 3 sacks and 5 pass breakups when playing outside. For a team that needs to win at least two of its final four games to secure a playoff spot, Jewell’s return could be the difference between a wild-card berth and a trip home early. Linebacker Returns to Practice for the Denver Broncos is a timely boost for a team facing a make-or-break stretch.

Beyond the on-field impact, Jewell’s return to practice is a mental lift for the Denver Broncos’ locker room, as he’s one of the team’s most respected leaders. Since joining the Broncos as a fourth-round pick in 2018, Jewell has earned a reputation as a hard worker and a selfless teammate—he’s often the first player to arrive at practice and the last to leave, and he regularly hosts film sessions with younger linebackers. During his injury recovery, Jewell stayed involved in the defense, attending meetings and providing feedback to Sanders and Niemann from the sidelines. “Josey didn’t let his injury keep him from being a leader,” Joseph said. “He was still helping the young guys, still giving input on plays—he’s that kind of guy.” This leadership has been invaluable for a Broncos team that has dealt with other injuries (like Pat Surtain II’s shoulder sprain) and inconsistent play on offense. Now that Jewell is back at practice, his presence is expected to galvanize the defense and remind everyone of the team’s early-season success. The Denver Broncos have always been a team that feeds off defensive energy, and Jewell’s return should reignite that spark. Linebacker Returns to Practice for the Denver Broncos is more than just a player coming back—it’s a leader rejoining his team at a critical moment.

Looking ahead, the Denver Broncos will take a cautious approach with Jewell, as they don’t want to risk a setback that could sideline him for the playoffs. Payton has indicated that Jewell may not play in their Week 15 game against the Arizona Cardinals, instead using that week to continue practicing and building up his knee strength. If all goes well, he’ll likely make his return in Week 16 against the 49ers—a game that could decide the AFC’s second wild-card spot. Even if Jewell isn’t at 100% when he returns, his experience and football IQ will be an upgrade over the current linebacking rotation. For the Denver Broncos, Jewell’s return is a reminder of why they’re still in the playoff hunt: they have elite talent that can overcome injuries and adversity. With Jewell back in the fold, the defense should regain its status as one of the NFL’s best, and the team should be able to compete with anyone in the AFC. Linebacker Returns to Practice for the Denver Broncos is a hopeful sign for a team that has faced its share of challenges this season—and it’s a signal that the Broncos’ playoff push is far from over.