Lucas Krull Surgery Out Extended for the Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos received a significant offensive blow in Week 6 of the 2025 season, as backup tight end Lucas Krull underwent surgery to repair a torn medial collateral ligament (MCL) in his left knee—an injury expected to keep him sidelined for 8–10 weeks. Krull, who had emerged as a reliable reserve and red-zone threat behind starters Greg Dulcich and Adam Trautman, played a key role in Sean Payton’s two-tight end sets, contributing both as a blocker in the run game and a pass catcher in short-yardage situations. His extended absence forces the Broncos to shuffle their tight end depth chart, adjust their game plan, and potentially explore external additions to fill the gap. Lucas Krull Surgery Out Extended for the Denver Broncos thus breaks down the implications of this injury, from immediate roster moves to long-term impacts on the Broncos’ offensive flexibility.

Krull’s injury occurred during a routine practice drill ahead of the Broncos’ Week 6 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, when he planted awkwardly while running a route and collapsed to the turf. Initial evaluations by the Broncos’ medical staff suggested a mild MCL sprain, but an MRI revealed a partial tear that required surgical intervention to prevent further damage. The 26-year-old tight end had been enjoying a breakout season up to that point: in five games, he recorded 12 catches for 154 yards and 2 touchdowns, including a critical 10-yard touchdown reception in the Broncos’ Week 4 win over the Kansas City Chiefs. What made Krull irreplaceable, however, was his versatility: he could line up as an in-line blocker (critical for Payton’s power run scheme) or split out wide as a slot receiver, creating mismatches against linebackers and safeties. “Lucas had become a key part of our offense,” Payton said in a post-practice press conference. “He’s a guy who can do it all—block, catch, move around the formation. Losing him for an extended period hurts, but we have to adjust.” Lucas Krull Surgery Out Extended for the Denver Broncos thus frames his injury as a loss of both production and tactical flexibility.

In the immediate aftermath of Krull’s surgery, the Broncos’ first move was to promote tight end Chris Manhertz from the practice squad to the active roster—a veteran journeyman who had spent time with the New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers, and Jacksonville Jaguars. Manhertz, known primarily for his blocking ability, lacks Krull’s pass-catching upside but fits Payton’s run-heavy scheme, having played under Payton during his time with the Saints in 2018. The Broncos also signed undrafted rookie tight end Jake Bobo to their practice squad, adding depth while giving Bobo a chance to learn Payton’s system. These moves, while necessary, highlight the Broncos’ thinness at the position: Manhertz has just 35 career catches in seven NFL seasons, and Bobo has never appeared in a regular-season game. “Chris is a proven blocker, and that’s what we need right now,” said Broncos tight ends coach Declan Doyle. “We’ll adjust our routes to play to his strengths, but there’s no denying we’re losing a pass-catching threat in Lucas.” The Broncos have also shifted their practice focus, reducing two-tight end sets in favor of more three-wide receiver formations to compensate for Krull’s absence. Lucas Krull Surgery Out Extended for the Denver Broncos thus underscores how the team is making short-term tactical sacrifices to manage the injury.

The Denver Broncos are also exploring external options to add a pass-catching tight end before the NFL’s trade deadline, as Manhertz and Bobo don’t offer the same receiving upside as Krull. According to league sources, the Broncos have held preliminary discussions with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers about tight end Cade Otton, a third-year player with 98 career catches and 6 touchdowns who has fallen out of favor in Tampa Bay’s offense. Otton, who played college football at Washington (the same school as Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson), would be a natural fit in Payton’s scheme, as he can both block and catch—mirroring Krull’s skill set. The Broncos could acquire Otton for a late-round draft pick (fourth or fifth round), as the Buccaneers are rebuilding and may be willing to part with a young player for draft capital. “We’re always looking to improve our roster, especially when we have an injury like this,” said Broncos general manager George Paton. “If there’s a player who can help us win now and fit our system, we’ll pursue it.” The Denver Broncos’ interest in Otton reflects their commitment to maintaining offensive flexibility, even if it means giving up future draft picks to fill an immediate need. Lucas Krull Surgery Out Extended for the Denver Broncos thus shows how the team is balancing short-term contention with long-term roster building.

The Denver Broncos’ offensive scheme will also undergo subtle adjustments to account for Krull’s absence, with Payton likely relying more on fullback Michael Burton and H-backs to replace Krull’s blocking and receiving roles. Burton, a veteran fullback who signed with the Broncos in free agency, will see increased snaps in two-back sets, acting as a lead blocker for Javonte Williams and Latavius Murray while occasionally lining up as a short-yardage pass catcher. The Broncos will also use more “11 personnel” (1 running back, 1 tight end, 3 wide receivers) instead of their usual “12 personnel” (1 running back, 2 tight ends, 2 wide receivers), shifting the focus to wide receivers Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy in the passing game. These adjustments, while effective, limit the Broncos’ ability to run their most effective red-zone plays—many of which rely on two tight ends to create space for Williams or Wilson. “We have to be smart about how we use our personnel,” said Broncos offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi. “We can’t replace Lucas with one player, so we’ll use a combination of guys to fill his role. It won’t be the same, but we can still be effective.” The Denver Broncos’ willingness to adapt their scheme shows their resilience, but it also highlights the unique value Krull brought to the offense. Lucas Krull Surgery Out Extended for the Denver Broncos thus emphasizes how scheme adjustments are a necessary workaround, not a perfect solution.

Looking ahead, the Denver Broncos remain confident that they can navigate Krull’s absence and stay in the AFC West race, thanks to their depth at other positions and the leadership of Payton and Wilson. Krull is expected to begin rehabilitation in the next two weeks, with the Broncos’ medical staff targeting a potential return in Week 14 against the Arizona Cardinals—just in time for the stretch run and potential playoff push. In the meantime, the Broncos will rely on Manhertz, Burton, and their wide receivers to fill the gap, while keeping an eye on the trade market for potential upgrades. “Injuries are part of the NFL,” Wilson said after practice. “We have great players who can step up, and we trust Coach Payton to put us in positions to win. Lucas will be back soon, but until then, we have to hold it down.” The Broncos’ optimism isn’t unfounded: their run game (led by Williams and a revamped offensive line) remains one of the NFL’s best, and their defense has emerged as a top-5 unit, capable of winning games even if the offense struggles. Lucas Krull Surgery Out Extended for the Denver Broncos thus concludes by emphasizing that while Krull’s injury is a setback, it’s not a season-ender—thanks to the Broncos’ depth, adaptability, and focus on long-term success.