Denver Broncos linebacker Dre Greenlaw’s absence from practice has drawn attention as the team prepares for its regular season opener against the Tennessee Titans. Greenlaw, who joined the Broncos on a three-year, $31.5 million contract during the offseason, missed practice on Wednesday due to an ongoing quadriceps issue.
Head coach Sean Payton addressed questions about player injuries but declined to give any specifics regarding Greenlaw’s status. “At this point forward, I’m not going to talk one thing about player injuries. We’ll report what we’re required to report, but you’ll never hear me talk about how I feel it’s going or any of that (…). There’s no advantage for me to discuss it,” Payton told reporters on September 3.
Greenlaw’s agent, J.R. Carroll, praised the Broncos’ handling of his client’s situation and cited their track record with player injuries in comments provided via The Denver Post.
Chris Tomasson of The Denver Gazette reported that Greenlaw suffered his quad injury in practice on July 31 and did not participate in any of Denver’s three preseason games. On Wednesday, Greenlaw was seen only working on a side field at Broncos Park and was designated as a non-participant on the team’s official injury report for Week 1. Tight end Nate Adkins was also absent from practice.
Greenlaw has a history of leg injuries; most notably, he tore his Achilles tendon during Super Bowl LVIII while playing for the San Francisco 49ers in 2023.
The impact of Greenlaw’s possible absence extends to expectations around the team’s defense this season, particularly after both he and fellow former 49er Talanoa Hufanga were signed in free agency—Hufanga agreeing to a three-year deal worth $39 million.
Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinee Patrick Willis spoke highly of both players when asked about their arrival in Denver. “As an athlete, as a player, I’d love to have him (…). He’s going to be missed with the 49ers, and I foresee him going to Denver and doing great things for that defense,” Willis said regarding Greenlaw in an interview with Games Hub’s Kyle Odegard published Aug. 28. Willis noted Greenlaw’s “energy” and described him as “unique,” expressing confidence he could return to pre-injury form.
Willis also offered praise for Hufanga: “There are certain people you meet that could big-time you, have whatever personality, but Huff, there is something about his energy (…). After I left his presence, I was rooting for him. I’m a fan of him as a person, and when you see his instincts on the field and the way he moves, I’m really excited to see what he’s going to do for that Denver defense.” He added: “If (Hufanga) can bring back that caliber of ball he played with a couple years ago with the 49ers, it’s going to be really exciting to see what him and Dre can do.”
Both new signings have faced recent injury challenges as they transition into roles within Denver’s defensive lineup.
