The Denver Broncos took the field for their third day of organized team activities on Thursday, while it was the media’s first look at the 2026 roster.
Denver Broncos OTA Report Day 3: Bo Nix return looming around mandatory minicamp, Sam Ehlinger has sharp day
Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix was not spotted participating in on-field activities during Thursday’s OTA practice, but he was in attendance for a brief moment, watching practice and talking with coaches before going back inside. Head coach Sean Payton shared that Nix has been throwing as his rehab continues from a cleanup procedure last month.
On top of that, Payton noted that we would likely see Nix during the third week of OTAs, which includes a three-day mandatory minicamp on June 16-18, during which the media will be able to attend all three days.
“Good,” Payton said. “It’s kind of what I told you. I think we’ll see him in that role here. I mean you don’t see the pre-practice, but he’s been throwing. I do think in our third week, when you guys are out here for three straight days, I think you’ll see more of a role.”
With Nix not on the field on Thursday, Jarrett Stidham and Sam Ehlinger handled all the reps. Ehlinger on the day looked the sharpest. In 7-on-7, he connected on passes to Troy Franklin, Evan Engram, and RJ Harvey. In the team period, he continued throwing the ball well, connecting with Marvin Mims, Engram, Lil’Jordan Humphrey, and rookie rusher Jonah Coleman.
Ehlinger looked more comfortable than he did last year, and he was quick and decisive in three different periods, throwing the ball.
“I think considerably,” Payton said. “Good question. Today, there were a handful of plays, maybe a year ago at this time, from a terminology standpoint or just the rhythm… But I definitely feel like you can see that, and that’s encouraging.”
Earlier this offseason, Payton acknowledged that last year, they quietly held a competition for the QB2. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Ehlinger and Jarrett Stidham compete for the backup job this summer.
Broncos OTA news and notes
Jeremy Crawshaw was booming it today during the Broncos special teams period that featured half-field work with jammers and gunners, and eventually full-field punt coverage. He was consistent, and one of his best punts saw a 5.04 hangtime (shoutout to Andrew Mason, who tracked it right next to me).
He looks far more comfortable compared to where he was a year ago, and hitting around eight punts consistently well was a great sign ahead of the season, building off the strong finish he had in the postseason last year.
We did not see offensive lineman Alex Forsyth, wide receiver Michael Woods, or tight end Caleb Lohner out there either.
Cornerbacks Patrick Surtain II, Jahdae Barron, safety JL Skinner, outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper, center Luke Wattenberg, and left guard Ben Powers were all spotted at practice with helmets and participated in individual drills, but they did not partake in any of the team-specific drills.
Riley Moss had a nice play during 7-on-7 against Jaylen Waddle, covering him and having a pass breakup on a throw from Jarrett Stidham. Dondrea Tillman and second-year pass rusher Johnny Walker Jr. had a few snaps where they got the best of the offensive tackle in front of them to rush Stidham and Ehlinger.
Kris Abrams-Draine got a lot of reps with Surtain and Barron not participating in team drills.
Jonah Elliss was working with the outside linebackers during Thursday’s practice. Payton mentioned that outside backer is ‘home’ for Elliss, but he would get some reps at inside backer.
Nik Bonitto had a few quick pressures off the edge during the two-team periods Denver had on Thursday’s practice.
The Broncos will have another round of OTAs next week on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, where we’ll likely be back out for Thursday’s practice.