The Denver Broncos gamble on Dre Greenlaw and Evan Engram isn’t paying off.

Denver Broncos At least, two weeks into the season, and likely into this third game against the division-leading Chargers as well.

Neither Greenlaw nor Engram practiced today, and that doesn’t bode well for them playing on Sunday in Los Angeles.

Denver Broncos gamble on Greenlaw and Engram not paying off

When the Broncos signed Dre Greenlaw to be their starting inside linebacker, and Evan Engram their tight end, each were supposed to make an immediate impact.

But as the Broncos prepare for their pivotal Week 3 battle against the 2-0 LA Chargers, neither veteran has practiced either Wednesday or Thursday. That’s important because when injured players can be even a limited participant, they can push their way onto the field on Sundays.

So, we’re unlikely to see either Greenlaw or Engram out there this week.

Basically every team in the NFL is constructed using a combination of the draft, free agency, and trades. The Eagles and Chiefs drafted their quarterback, along with other key members, and then surrounded him through free agency. See: Saquon Barkley and Zack Baun, among others, on the Eagles.

The Denver Broncos are no different.

They drafted Bo Nix–along with other important players like Garett Bolles, Patrick Surtain, and Nik Bonitto–and then made multiple splash moves in free agency this year.

Greenlaw was supposed to be the starting inside linebacker next to Alex Singleton, and take all the pass coverage off of Singleton’s shoulders. Instead, he has been held out of both games and practices this week due to a sore quad. Notably, Greenlaw tore his Achilles tendon in Super Bowl LVIII against the Chiefs. Then he played two games last year for the 49ers before being held out.

I’s good he’s not nursing a calf injury, but on the other hand, how severe is this quad injury?

Greenlaw was the biggest defensive free agent signing, although Talanoa Hufanga is playing great ball right now.

Engram was supposed to give Nix a threat in the middle of the field on offense. But he injured an ankle in Week 1 and is now nursing a bad back.

Here’s hoping backups fill their voids

Justin Strnad has filled in for Greenlaw in the Broncos first two games, while Adam Trautman and Co. have stepped up for Engram.

Neither have done a great job, again calling attention to the Denver Broncos gamble that’s falling apart like so many fans’ weekly parlays.

Against the Colts, Denver’s defense was gashed by tight end Tyler Warren over the middle and running back Jonathan Taylor out of the backfield. Strnad–who’s also injured, but in line to play–and Singleton were completely exploited and it’s likely other offenses will look to do so again if Greenlaw remains out.

And really, we don’t know for sure how revolutionary Greenlaw will be to the defense once he finally plays, because we haven’t seen him in Denver’s defense yet.

On offense, even when he plays Engram has been quiet. In fact, he had zero catches against the Colts.

Denver will likely use a tight end by committee approach to fill in for him. Adam Trautman is the next man up, and Lucas Krull will likely get some snaps in LA this week, too. And third tight end/fullback Nate Adkins returned to practice today, so he’s on track to play on Sunday.

Certainly, the Broncos (1-1) could use both Engram and Greenlaw this week against the 2-0 Chargers, but they may be without both.

Denver-LA kicks off at 2:05 p.m. MT on CBS on Sunday, Sept. 21.

Ultimately, an NFL season is a marathon, not a sprint.

The Denver Broncos gamble on Engram and Greenlaw could pay off in the long run if they get healthy and start games consistently.