Football isn't just about the highlight reels. It’s also about the training room. Honestly, if you've been following the Mile High news lately, you know that the "next man up" philosophy is being tested to its absolute limit. When we talk about broncos wire players on injured reserve, we aren't just looking at a list of names; we're looking at the literal structural integrity of a team trying to survive a brutal 2025-2026 season.
It feels like every time the transaction wire pings, it's more bad news. Or, if we're lucky, a glimmer of hope that someone is finally "designated to return."
Right now, Denver is navigating a minefield. From seasoned veterans like Brandon Jones to the young, high-potential guys like Drew Sanders, the IR list has become a revolving door that dictates the team's weekly strategy. You can't just replace a starting safety or a versatile linebacker and expect the defensive chemistry to stay the same. It just doesn't work that way.
The Reality of the Current IR List
Basically, the Broncos are dealing with a mix of "season-enders" and "maybe-later-this-month" situations. It’s stressful. Fans see the names on the screen, but the coaches are the ones staying up until 2 AM trying to figure out how to hide a weakness that wasn't there three weeks ago.
The Big Names Sidelined
Let's get into the specifics. One of the biggest blows recently was seeing Brandon Jones hit the list. He’s been a physical presence in the secondary, and losing a safety of his caliber to a pectoral injury right in the middle of December is just... well, it's rough. According to official team transactions, he was moved to IR on December 15, which basically meant he was sidelined for the home stretch of the regular season.
Then you have Luke Wattenberg. Losing your center is a nightmare for a young quarterback's rhythm. Wattenberg went down with a shoulder injury around Christmas. Nothing says "Happy Holidays" like losing the guy who handles the ball on every single offensive snap. He was placed on IR on December 25, and for a team trying to solidify its offensive line, that was a massive gut punch.
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The "Return Window" Hope
It’s not all doom and gloom, though. The NFL's IR rules are a bit different than they used to be, and Denver has been aggressive about using those designations. Take Drew Sanders, for example. He’s been out basically all year with an ankle/foot issue that started way back in training camp. But finally, as we hit mid-January 2026, the wire showed he was designated for return.
Seeing Sanders back on the practice field—even in a limited capacity—is huge. He brings a level of athleticism that most linebackers just don't have. He’s the kind of player who can spy a mobile quarterback or drop into coverage against a speedy tight end.
Recent Roster Shuffles
Here is a quick look at some of the movement we've seen on the broncos wire players on injured reserve recently:
- J.K. Dobbins (RB): He’s been dealing with a foot/Lisfranc situation. He was moved to IR back in November, and while there’s always hope for a postseason return, those injuries are notoriously tricky for running backs who rely on their "cut" ability.
- Matt Peart (OT): A knee injury (specifically the MCL) put him on the shelf in mid-January. It’s a blow to the depth of the offensive line, especially with the playoffs looming.
- Lucas Krull (TE): A foot injury has kept him out, but he was recently designated for return. Having another big target for the red zone would be a godsend right now.
Why the "Designated to Return" Tag Matters
You've probably heard this phrase a lot lately. In the modern NFL, being on IR doesn't necessarily mean your season is over. Teams can designate up to eight players to return during the regular season (and more in the playoffs).
When a player is "designated for return," it opens a 21-day practice window. This is basically a trial period. The player can practice with the team, but they don't take up a spot on the 53-man roster yet. If they look good and the medical staff clears them, they get activated. If they aren't ready after 21 days? They go back to IR for the rest of the year.
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For the Broncos, this has been a lifeline. Players like Karene Reid and Ben Powers have already made this journey. Powers, specifically, had a biceps injury that looked like it might be a season-ender, but he fought back and got activated just in time for the late-season push. That kind of grit is what keeps a locker room together when things start falling apart.
The Impact on Team Chemistry
People underestimate how much an injury to a "rotational" player hurts. When Delarrin Turner-Yell went on IR with a knee injury in late December, it didn't make national headlines. But for the special teams unit? It was a disaster. He’s one of those guys who does the "dirty work" that wins games.
When you lose those "glue" players, the starters have to play more snaps. Fatigue sets in. Then, the starters get injured because they're playing 65 snaps a game instead of 45. It’s a vicious cycle that every NFL team fears.
What Most People Get Wrong About the IR
A lot of fans think that if a player is at practice, they aren't "really" on IR. That's not how it works. Once you're on that list, you are ineligible to play in a game for at least four weeks. Even if you heal miraculously in ten days, you're stuck.
Also, there’s the "Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform" (PUP) list, which is different from IR. Players like Drew Sanders started on the PUP list because their injuries happened before the season really kicked off. The distinction is technical, but it affects how many times a team can bring players back. It’s basically a giant game of roster Sudoku for the front office.
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Looking Ahead: The Playoff Push
As of January 17, 2026, the Broncos are heading into a Divisional Round matchup against the Buffalo Bills. The injury report is the first thing everyone checks in the morning.
The big question mark remains the linebacker corps. With Dre Greenlaw dealing with a nagging hamstring and Sanders still trying to get his game legs under him, the middle of the defense looks a bit vulnerable. Sean Payton has been tight-lipped, as usual. He’s the master of the "we'll see on Saturday" answer.
But honestly, the fact that Denver is even in this position—competing at a high level despite the length of the broncos wire players on injured reserve list—is a testament to the coaching. They've cycled through guys like Calvin Throckmorton and Marcedes Lewis just to keep the ship upright.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're trying to keep track of this mess, here’s how to stay ahead of the curve:
- Watch the Wednesday Practice Report: This is the first "real" indicator of who has a chance to play. If a player is "DNP" (Did Not Participate) on Wednesday, don't hold your breath.
- Follow the "21-Day Window": When a player like Lucas Krull is designated for return, mark your calendar. The team has three weeks to make a decision. If they aren't activated by then, they’re done for the year.
- Monitor the Practice Squad Elevations: Each week, teams can "elevate" two players from the practice squad to the active roster for game day. If the Broncos elevate two defensive backs, it usually means someone on the main roster (or IR) isn't ready to go.
- Check the "Wire" on Saturdays: Most of the final IR-to-active moves happen the day before the game. This is when the official "Game Status" (Out, Doubtful, Questionable) becomes final.
The roster is a living, breathing thing. It's constantly shifting. While the names on the IR list might seem like a setback, they also provide opportunities for the next generation of Broncos to step up and make a name for themselves. Whether it’s a rookie linebacker filling in for a vet or a practice squad receiver getting his shot, the drama of the injured reserve is where real NFL seasons are won or lost.
Next Steps for Tracking Denver's Roster:
Keep a close eye on the official NFL transaction wire every Tuesday afternoon. This is typically when teams make their "paper moves," including placing players on IR or designating them for return. For the upcoming Bills game, the status of Drew Sanders and Lucas Krull will be the primary focus for the training staff as they determine if either player is conditioned well enough to handle a full workload in a high-intensity playoff atmosphere.