The Denver Broncos put the pads on for the first time in training camp as the team goes through a two-day acclimation period with them on. This is building toward Wednesday’s practice being a fully padded full go day.
The Broncos defense struck first on Monday.
Denver Broncos defense wins the day in first padded practice
Typically, on the first day the pads come on, the advantage goes to the defense. That was the case for Monday’s practice as the Denver Broncos concluded their first acclimation day of pads as the buildup for Wednesday’s full-go, fully padded practice begins.
#BroncosCamp Day 5 Report: The #Broncos defense won the first day of pads, but the offense still traded some plays. pic.twitter.com/XFs4JRTZPl
— Cody Roark (@CodyRoarkNFL) August 3, 2026
In the Broncos’ first team period of the day, Denver’s defense forced Bo Nix to scramble because of pressure on the interior and on the outside from Zach Allen and Nik Bonitto. Alex Singleton blew up a run play to J.K. Dobbins before RJ Harvey rattled off a nice eight- to nine-yard run on the next play, ending Nix and the first-team unit’s reps.
When Jarrett Stidham took over QB reps, he connected with Troy Franklin for a 10+ yard gain, working against Kris Abrams-Draine. Denver’s defense did a good job early on of flowing to the football, stopping rookie Jonah Coleman and Tyler Badie on their rushing attempts.
Outside linebacker Jonah Elliss came off the edge on Stidham’s final play, and it appeared as if he knocked the football out of his hands cleanly, leading to what would have been a strip sack in a game. Both Elliss and Que Robinson had various pressure looks on the afternoon.
Undrafted rookie linebacker Taurean York had a nice play, blowing up a rushing attempt by Cody Schrader. Sam Ehlinger ended his series with a nice throw to Lil’Jordan Humphrey, who hauled in a tough catch with Jaden Robinson playing in phase tightly.
Denver’s second team period of the day is where we saw the most noteworthy action. On Nix’s second play from scrimmage, there appeared to be a jump from a defensive player that led to a free play, although it’s also being argued that there was a false start — Nix uncorked a pass downfield to Courtland Sutton, who was being tightly covered by Riley Moss. Moss plucked the ball from Sutton for an interception as his strong camp continues.
Nix responded two plays later by connecting with Pat Bryant near the sideline with Moss in coverage for a 15+ yard gain to end their series. Monday’s practice showcased a good back-and-forth between the offense and defense.
Denver Broncos news and notes from Day 5 of Camp
Starting center Luke Wattenberg left practice early with an apparent injury and did not return. The injury took place while the skill players were doing 7-on-7, and the offensive line was working in pass rush one-on-ones as a group against the defensive line and outside linebackers.
He exited with the training staff. After practice, Broncos head coach Sean Payton said Wattenberg is being evaluated, but that he thinks he’ll be fine.
Payton also shut down an absurd claim that second-year cornerback Jahdae Barron was moved to safety. He clarified Barron’s role at times in the dime package, being lined up at linebacker, which is something he did last year in the regular season.
Barron is still getting slot reps in the dime package opposite Ja’Quan McMillian, and is getting outside cornerback reps as well — something we saw last season too.
The second-year former first-round pick is doing well at camp, playing that Swiss-army knife role he did last season.
Day 6 of Denver Broncos Training Camp continues tomorrow as the team goes into their second acclimation day in pads.