Injury Updates Impacting the Denver Broncos' Lineup

In the NFL, injuries are an inevitable part of the game—but for the Denver Broncos, a string of recent injury updates has forced significant changes to their starting lineup, testing the team’s depth and coaching staff’s adaptability. As the Broncos push for a playoff spot in the competitive AFC West, each injury announcement—from key offensive playmakers to defensive staples—has sparked questions about how the lineup will adjust, who will step into new roles, and whether the team can maintain its momentum. Injury Updates Impacting the Denver Broncos' Lineup explores the most impactful injuries, their immediate effect on the lineup, and the ripple effects on the team’s strategy. For Broncos fans and analysts alike, these updates aren’t just medical news—they’re a window into the team’s ability to overcome adversity.

Injury Updates Impacting the Denver Broncos' Lineup begins with the most critical position: quarterback. In Week 12, starter Russell Wilson suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain during a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, with initial reports suggesting he’d miss 2-4 weeks. The injury forced the Broncos to turn to backup Jarrett Stidham, a four-year veteran who had seen limited action since joining the team in 2025. Stidham’s promotion to starter has reshaped the entire offensive lineup, as the coaching staff has adjusted the playbook to highlight his strengths (quick decision-making, accuracy on short passes) instead of Wilson’s (deep passing, mobility). “Jarrett brings a different style to the offense,” said Broncos offensive coordinator Justin Outten. “We’re simplifying some plays to let him get comfortable, but he’s shown he can execute when given the chance.” The change has also impacted the wide receiver corps: Stidham has developed a quick rapport with slot receiver Courtland Sutton, leading to more targets for Sutton in recent practices. For the Broncos, Wilson’s injury isn’t just a quarterback change—it’s a shift in how the entire offense operates.

Injury Updates Impacting the Denver Broncos' Lineup delves into the offensive line, which has been hit particularly hard by injuries. Starting left tackle Garett Bolles tore his ACL in Week 10, ending his season, and starting right guard Quinn Meinerz followed with a high ankle sprain in Week 11, sidelining him for 3-4 weeks. These losses have forced the Broncos to shuffle their line: backup tackle Cam Fleming has moved into Bolles’ left tackle spot, while rookie guard Alex Forsyth—drafted in the fifth round of 2025—has been elevated to start at right guard. The new-look line has faced challenges in practice, with sacks allowed spiking during scrimmages as Forsyth adjusts to the speed of NFL defenses. “The offensive line is the backbone of the offense, so losing two starters is tough,” said Broncos head coach Sean Payton. “But Cam has played left tackle before, and Alex has been working hard in practice—we have faith in them to step up.” The adjustments have also affected the running game: with less protection, running back Javonte Williams has seen more tackles at or behind the line of scrimmage, prompting the coaching staff to add more blocking tight ends to the lineup.

Injury Updates Impacting the Denver Broncos' Lineup examines the defensive side, where a knee injury to starting linebacker Josey Jewell has disrupted the unit’s flow. Jewell, the team’s leading tackler (89 tackles through 11 weeks), suffered a Grade 1 knee strain in Week 11 and is expected to miss 2 weeks. His absence has led to a lineup change: backup linebacker Drew Sanders, a second-year player out of Arkansas, has been named the starter, with special teams ace Justin Strnad serving as the primary backup. Sanders’ promotion has shifted the defense’s approach, as he’s more of a pass-rushing threat than Jewell (who specializes in run stopping). The Broncos have adjusted by adding an extra defensive tackle in run-heavy packages to compensate for Sanders’ focus on the pass. “Josey is irreplaceable in terms of his leadership and run-stopping ability, but Drew brings something different,” said Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph. “We’re leaning into his strengths to keep the defense competitive.” For the Denver Broncos, Jewell’s injury is a test of the defense’s versatility—can a unit built around run stopping adapt to a more pass-focused linebacker? Early practice reps suggest the transition is ongoing, with coaches emphasizing communication to avoid gaps in coverage.

Injury Updates Impacting the Denver Broncos' Lineup explores how the coaching staff is using these lineup changes to evaluate depth, a key priority for the stretch run. With multiple backups now in starting roles, Payton and his staff have been closely monitoring practice performance to identify which players can handle extended minutes—and which may need support. For example, Forsyth, the rookie guard, has been paired with veteran center Lloyd Cushenberry III in extra film sessions to improve their chemistry, while Stidham has spent additional time with the wide receivers to refine their timing. The staff has also adjusted practice schedules, adding more walkthroughs to help new starters learn their roles without the physical toll of full-contact drills. “Injuries force you to trust your depth, but you have to give those players the tools to succeed,” Payton said. “We’re investing time in every new starter to make sure they’re prepared.” For the Denver Broncos, this focus on preparation isn’t just about surviving the next few weeks—it’s about building a deeper, more resilient lineup that can handle the rigors of the playoffs, should they qualify.

Injury Updates Impacting the Denver Broncos' Lineup wraps up with fan and media reactions to the lineup changes, which have been mixed. Some fans have expressed concern, particularly about the offensive line’s ability to protect Stidham and open holes for Williams. Social media has been filled with debates about whether the Broncos should sign a free-agent offensive lineman to bolster depth, while local sports radio hosts have questioned if the team’s playoff hopes are now in jeopardy. Others, however, have highlighted the opportunity for young players to shine—pointing to Sanders’ early practice success as a reason for optimism. “Injuries suck, but they let you see what your backups are made of,” said Broncos fan Sarah Martinez, who attends every home game. “I’m excited to see Stidham and Sanders play—maybe they’ll bring something new to the lineup.” For the Denver Broncos, these reactions reflect the high stakes of the season: every lineup change is scrutinized, and every replacement player carries the weight of fan expectations. As the team navigates these injuries, one thing is clear: the lineup that takes the field in the coming weeks will be different from the one fans expected—but its success will depend on how well everyone adapts to their new roles.