The Broncos are set to return a key member of their offensive line just in time for an end-of-season playoff push.
Left guard Ben Powers was back in pads and practicing Wednesday for the first time since early October, when he sustained a left biceps tear during the Broncos’ Week 5 win over Philadelphia.
Denver placed Powers on injured reserve Oct. 6, and is now opening his 21-day window to return from IR.
At the time of his injury, Powers was projected for a return in nine to 10 weeks, which would’ve put his activation sometime in December.
The Broncos’ comfortable 2.5-game lead in the AFC West means they don’t need to rush Powers back as soon as Sunday when they play Green Bay, but a source close to the guard said he might return for the Dec. 21 game against Jacksonville.
After some initial shakiness, the Broncos have been able to weather the storm at right guard across the last couple months, which has only helped buy Powers time. Backup Matt Peart took Powers’ spot in Week 6 but suffered a torn MCL while filling in, and Denver’s turned since to former tackle Alex Palczewski, who’s started the last seven games. The Broncos’ offensive line has still graded out as one of the best units in football, ranking in the top seven in the NFL in both pass-block and run-block win rate, according to ESPN.
Powers has started at left guard in Denver for three seasons. The 29-year-old was having one of the best initial stretches of his career in 2025 before the biceps tear, with just five quarterback pressures allowed in five games, according to Pro Football Focus.
Jones, Adkins return. The Broncos got further reinforcements Wednesday when tight end Nate Adkins and defensive tackle D.J. Jones were also back on the field during the open portion of practice.
Adkins has missed five games since hurting his knee Week 8 against Dallas. Jones injured his ankle Nov. 30 against Washington and didn’t play last week against Las Vegas.
Rookie receiver Pat Bryant was the only player on Denver’s active roster who didn’t participate Wednesday. The third-round pick out of Illinois worked on the side field early in practice. Bryant was limited in practice Thursday and Friday last week due to a hamstring injury but played 35 snaps against Las Vegas, second-most among Denver’s wide receivers.
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