Injuries have piled up for the Denver Broncos over the course of the last week and a half, and it’s impacted various personnel decisions leading up to Sunday’s kickoff against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Which players saw a status upgrade in Thursday’s practice before the team travels to Tampa Bay after Friday’s practice.

Denver Broncos defensive end John Franklin-Myers returns to Thursday’s practice

The Denver Broncos had some good news come out of Thursday’s practice as defensive end John Franklin-Myers returned to practice on a limited basis as he continues to progress through the NFL’s concussion protocol. As the team tries to navigate through the handful of injuries they’ve sustained in the week, possibly having him back for Sunday’s game is a huge plus.

Safety Brandon Jones returned to practice on Thursday after he missed Wednesday’s practice with a foot injury. The only players who were listed as non-participants on Thursday was outside linebacker Baron Browning and safety JL Skinner.

Browning suffered a foot injury in last week’s game vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers and did not return. The team promoted practice squad OLB Dondrea Tillman to the 53-man roster yesterday, which was made possible by offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey landing on injured reserve. Browning has not participated in practice all week nor has he been on the team’s side field.

Skinner suffered an ankle injury in Sunday’s loss to the Steelers but returned to finish the game. He’s been held out of action this week at practice as well, which will impact Denver’s special teams units, where he’s contributed in a bigger role this season through two games.

Defensive end Zach Allen, tight ends Greg Dulcich and Adam Trautman, and wide receivers Josh Reynolds and Devaughn Vele were all upgraded from limited on Wednesday to full participants on Thursday. All players of these players are expected to play Sunday barring any setbacks.

Denver Broncos injury report from Thursday

  • Outside linebacker Baron Browning – foot – DNP.
  • Safety JL Skinner – ankle – DNP.
  • Defensive end John Franklin-Myers – concussion – limited.
  • Safety Brandon Jones – foot – limited.
  • Defensive end Zach Allen – shoulder – full.
  • Tight end Greg Dulcich – knee/ankle – full.
  • Tight end Adam Trautman – shoulder – full.
  • Wide receiver Josh Reynolds – Achilles – full.
  • Wide receiver Devaughn Vele – ribs – full.

Denver will have one final practice on Friday and will take off to Tampa Bay shortly after that for the start of a two week trip to the East Coast.