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Broncos' Waddle Exits Practice with Muscle Tightness

8/6/2026

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Summary

Waddle Exits Practice

Jaylen Waddle left the Broncos’ August 5, 2026 practice with muscle tightness and did not return.
Head coach Sean Payton said the team will evaluate Waddle and believes he is fine.
Injured players also included Nik Bonitto, Luke Wattenberg, Dondrea Tillman (hamstring) and Caleb Lohner (knee).
The Broncos have three practice days before their August 14, 2026 preseason opener, with backups Alex Forsyth, Jonah Elliss and Marvin Mims.

Summary

Payton Sets Pace

Head coach Sean Payton said Tuesday’s practice ended with fast-start drills intended to force a three-and-out and secure the offense’s first-down.
Defensive end Zach Allen stopped a backfield run, later logged would-be tackles for loss and posted 2025 season numbers of 38 tackles, seven sacks and a league-high 47 quarterback hits.
Outside linebacker Jonah Elliss posted a would-be sack while cornerback Riley Moss broke up a deep pass.

History

Historical Context

In the 1998 season, the Denver Broncos finished 14–2, overcame injuries, and on Jan 31 1999 won Super Bowl XXXIII 34–19 over the Atlanta Falcons, with 38-year-old quarterback John Elway earning MVP. That comeback taught teams that depth and rapid adjustments are vital, a lesson echoed in today’s Broncos squads that must manage preseason injuries.

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Waddle Exits Practice

Jaylen Waddle left the Broncos’ August 5, 2026 practice with muscle tightness and did not return.
Head coach Sean Payton said the team will evaluate Waddle and believes he is fine.
Injured players also included Nik Bonitto, Luke Wattenberg, Dondrea Tillman (hamstring) and Caleb Lohner (knee).
The Broncos have three practice days before their August 14, 2026 preseason opener, with backups Alex Forsyth, Jonah Elliss and Marvin Mims.

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