First Injury Update in Months for the Denver Broncos

After a stretch of relative health that has fueled their 10-4 record and AFC playoff positioning, the Denver Broncos have finally released their first significant injury update in nearly three months—a development that has sparked both relief and cautious optimism among fans and coaches. The update centers on starting tight end Greg Dulcich, who left practice on Tuesday with a hamstring strain and had been listed as “day-to-day” without further details for nearly a week. On Friday, head coach Sean Payton confirmed the injury is a Grade 1 hamstring strain, ruling Dulcich out for Week 17’s matchup with the Los Angeles Rams but clearing him to return for the playoffs if the Broncos secure a spot. For a team that has avoided major injuries since Pat Surtain II’s shoulder sprain in Week 14 (and his subsequent return), this update breaks a quiet streak—and underscores just how critical health has been to their late-season surge. First Injury Update in Months for the Denver Broncos is a reminder of the NFL’s unpredictability, even for teams that have managed to stay intact.

Dulcich’s injury and the delayed update stem from a combination of caution and the Broncos’ desire to avoid tipping their hand to opponents. The 24-year-old tight end pulled up during a red zone drill on Tuesday, grabbing his left hamstring after running a seam route. Initial tests were inconclusive, and Payton declined to provide details in press conferences earlier in the week, citing “standard protocol” for soft-tissue injuries. This silence was intentional: the Broncos faced the Rams, a team known for exploiting opponent injuries in their game plan, and didn’t want Los Angeles to adjust their defense based on Dulcich’s availability. Before the injury, Dulcich had emerged as a reliable red zone target for Bo Nix, catching 4 touchdowns in his last 6 games and serving as a key blocker in the run game for J.K. Dobbins. His absence in Week 17 will force the Broncos to lean on backup tight ends Adam Trautman and Albert Okwuegbunam, who have combined for just 25 receptions this season. The update, while not catastrophic, highlights how even minor injuries can disrupt an offense that has found its rhythm. First Injury Update in Months for the Denver Broncos is also a lesson in NFL strategy, as teams balance transparency with competitive advantage.

The specifics of the update—Grade 1 strain, 1-2 week recovery—have eased concerns about Dulcich’s long-term availability, especially with the playoffs looming. A Grade 1 strain is the mildest form of hamstring injury, involving minimal tearing of muscle fibers and typically requiring rest, physical therapy, and gradual return to activity. Broncos trainers have already begun working with Dulcich on mobility drills and strength exercises, with the goal of having him full participation in practice next week. “Greg is progressing well—he’s moving without pain, and his range of motion is back to normal,” said Broncos head athletic trainer Steve Antonopulos. “We’re taking it slow to avoid a setback, but there’s no reason he can’t be ready for our first playoff game.” For Dulcich, who missed 8 games last season with a knee injury, the update is a relief. “It’s frustrating to miss time, but I’m glad it’s not serious,” he said in a brief statement. “I’m focused on getting healthy so I can help the team in the playoffs.” The timing of the injury is also fortunate: Week 17 is a “must-win” for the Broncos to secure a wild-card spot, but resting Dulcich now ensures he’s fresh if they advance. First Injury Update in Months for the Denver Broncos is a case of good news wrapped in a minor setback.

The Denver Broncos’ offensive game plan for Week 17 will need to adapt without Dulcich, but the team has the depth to mitigate his absence—thanks in part to the health streak they’ve enjoyed. Trautman, a former third-round pick, is a strong blocker who can help maintain the Broncos’ run game efficiency, while Okwuegbunam has the size (6’5”) to replace Dulcich as a red zone target. Nix has also shown he can adjust to missing weapons: earlier in the season, when Jerry Jeudy was sidelined with a concussion, Nix spread the ball to Courtland Sutton and Pat Bryant, leading the Broncos to a win over the Chiefs. The Denver Broncos’ coaching staff has already tweaked their playbook for Week 17, adding more two-tight end sets to get Trautman and Okwuegbunam involved and shifting Sutton into the slot to create mismatches with Rams linebackers. “We’ve prepared for this scenario all season,” offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi said. “Depth is why we’ve been successful, and this is a chance for other guys to step up.” This adaptability is a product of the Broncos’ health: because they haven’t had to shuffle their lineup constantly, backups have gotten consistent reps in practice, making transitions smoother. First Injury Update in Months for the Denver Broncos is a test of that depth—and a chance to prove the offense isn’t reliant on one player.

Beyond Dulcich’s injury, the update signals a shift for the Denver Broncos as they enter the high-stakes playoff era, where injury management becomes even more critical. For months, the Broncos have avoided the “injury bug” that derails so many NFL teams—their only other significant injury was Surtain’s shoulder sprain, which he recovered from in three weeks. This health has allowed them to build chemistry on both sides of the ball, with starters playing together in 12 of 14 games. Now, as they face the possibility of multiple playoff games, the Broncos will need to balance aggression (playing to win) with caution (protecting key players). The update on Dulcich is a practice run for this balance: sitting him in Week 17 risks losing a game that secures their playoff spot, but resting him prevents a more serious injury that could end their season. The Denver Broncos’ front office and medical staff have already met to outline a playoff injury plan, which includes limiting snaps for starters in blowouts and prioritizing rest for players with a history of soft-tissue injuries (like Dulcich). First Injury Update in Months for the Denver Broncos is a preview of the tough decisions ahead—and a reminder that health will be just as important as talent in the playoffs.

Looking ahead, the Denver Broncos will use the next week to monitor Dulcich’s progress while preparing Trautman and Okwuegbunam for expanded roles. If they win Week 17, they’ll host a wild-card game, and Dulcich’s return would give Nix a key weapon against a likely tough opponent (like the Bills or Steelers). If they lose, their playoff hopes could end—but the update ensures Dulcich would be healthy for a potential win-or-go-home scenario. Regardless of the outcome, the first injury update in months has reinforced a key lesson for the Broncos: even mild injuries require careful management, especially this late in the season. For a team that has relied on health to stay in the playoff hunt, this update is a wake-up call—and a chance to show they can handle adversity without collapsing. The Denver Broncos have come too far to let a minor hamstring strain derail their season, and the update suggests they have the plan to keep their playoff push on track. First Injury Update in Months for the Denver Broncos is not a setback—it’s a opportunity to demonstrate the resilience that championship teams are made of.