DNP List Includes Key Players for the Denver Broncos

In the NFL’s stretch run, a team’s DNP (Did Not Practice) list isn’t just a routine administrative update—it’s a window into their health, strategy, and playoff readiness. For the 2024 Denver Broncos, DNP List Includes Key Players for the Denver Broncos has become a recurring headline as the team navigates a critical late-season stretch, balancing the need to keep star players fresh with the risk of rust and disrupted chemistry. With just three games left in the regular season and a wild-card spot on the line, the Broncos’ DNP list has included Pro Bowl-caliber talent across offense, defense, and special teams—forcing coaches to adjust practice plans, test depth, and make tough calls about availability for upcoming games. This list isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a calculated approach to preserving key contributors for the playoffs. But it also raises questions about the team’s ability to stay sharp when core players are sidelined, even temporarily.

DNP List Includes Key Players for the Denver Broncos first grabbed attention during Week 15 practice, when the team listed four starters as inactive: defensive end Zach Allen (knee soreness), left tackle Garett Bolles (ankle tightness), wide receiver Marvin Mims (hamstring), and special teams ace Justin Simmons (concussion protocol). Allen, the team’s sack leader (10.5), and Bolles, a staple of the offensive line, were particularly notable absences—both have started every game this season and are considered irreplaceable in their respective units. Head coach Sean Payton framed the decisions as proactive rest, not injury concerns: “This time of year, you have to manage wear and tear. These guys have been playing through minor soreness for weeks, and we wanted to give them a day to recover before a big game against the Chargers.” However, the timing raised eyebrows: the Broncos were coming off a physically draining Week 14 win over the Bills, and the Chargers represent a direct threat to their wild-card spot. For fans and analysts, the DNP list sparked debate about whether rest was worth the risk of disrupting practice rhythm—especially for an offense that has struggled with consistency all season.

A key detail of DNP List Includes Key Players for the Denver Broncos is the breakdown of why players are sidelined: a mix of minor injuries, post-game recovery, and league-mandated protocols. Allen and Bolles fell into the “rest/recovery” category—players with no serious injury but enough soreness to warrant a day off. Mims, who missed three games earlier in the season with a hamstring strain, was listed as “limited” before being moved to DNP as a precaution, with trainers citing “tightness” that needed monitoring. Simmons, meanwhile, was in concussion protocol after taking a hit in the Bills game, a mandatory absence under NFL rules. This variety highlights the Broncos’ dual challenges: managing chronic soreness in veterans, preventing re-injuries in players with a history of issues, and adhering to safety protocols. “The DNP list is a mix of science and strategy,” said Broncos head athletic trainer Steve Antonopulos. “We use data from wearables, player feedback, and medical exams to decide who rests. For someone like Zach, a day off can prevent a more serious injury down the line. For someone like Justin, it’s non-negotiable safety.” This nuance helps explain why the list varies week to week—and why some players return quickly while others stay sidelined longer.

DNP List Includes Key Players for the Denver Broncos also forces the team to test its depth, a critical exercise for playoff teams that often face injuries in high-stakes games. With Allen sidelined in Week 15 practice, rookie defensive end Thomas Incoom took first-team reps, impressing coaches with a sack during a scrimmage drill. When Bolles sat out, backup tackle Cameron Fleming stepped in, allowing the offensive line to practice adjustments they might need to make in a real game. Even Mims’ absence created opportunity: undrafted wide receiver Jalen Reagor got more reps with the first-team offense, catching a 35-yard pass from Bo Nix in a red-zone drill. For the Denver Broncos, these practice reps aren’t just fill-ins—they’re a chance to build confidence in depth players who might be called upon in the playoffs. “You never know when a backup will have to win a game for you,” Payton said. “The DNP list gives us a chance to see what those guys can do in real practice situations, not just scout team reps.” This depth testing has paid off earlier in the season: when Mims was injured in Week 6, Reagor stepped in and caught two touchdowns, helping the Broncos beat the Raiders.

Another important aspect of DNP List Includes Key Players for the Denver Broncos is the impact on game-day preparation, especially for quarterbacks and defensive coordinators. Nix, who relies on timing with Mims for deep routes, had to adjust his practice reps to work with Reagor and Courtland Sutton—focusing on shorter, quicker passes instead of the deep shots he typically runs with Mims. Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, meanwhile, had to tweak his pass-rush schemes without Allen, using more blitzes from linebackers to compensate for the loss of Allen’s interior pressure. These adjustments aren’t just about one practice; they can carry over to game day, forcing the team to be more flexible in its playcalling. “When key players are out, everyone has to adapt,” Nix said after Week 15 practice. “I spent extra time with Jalen [Reagor] going over routes, making sure we were on the same page. It’s not ideal, but it’s part of being a team.” For the Denver Broncos, this adaptability is a double-edged sword: it builds resilience, but it also highlights how dependent the team is on its star players—especially on offense. When Mims or Allen are out, the team’s ceiling drops, even if backups perform well.

Looking ahead, DNP List Includes Key Players for the Denver Broncos will likely remain a fixture in the final weeks of the regular season, as the team prioritizes health for the playoffs. Payton has hinted that more veterans could get rest in Week 17, a home game against the lowly Arizona Cardinals, if the Broncos have already secured a playoff spot. However, if the wild-card race remains tight, the DNP list could shrink, with key players returning to full practice to ensure readiness. For the Broncos, the balance between rest and competition is delicate: too much rest could lead to rust, but too little could result in season-ending injuries. “We have a plan, but we’re also flexible,” Payton said. “The goal is to be healthy and sharp for the playoffs, not perfect in Week 16.” For the Denver Broncos, the DNP list isn’t just about who’s not practicing—it’s about who will be available when it matters most. As the team chases its first playoff berth since 2015, every decision on the DNP list will be a step toward that goal, even if it means short-term sacrifices in practice.