As we near the start of the 2026 NFL season, chatter and developments have been circulating around the Broncos training camp.
Monday, August 3, 2026, brought us the very first Broncos’ padded practice of training camp. Following the press conference after Monday’s practice, head coach Sean Payton opened with this statement, “First day back off the day off. Pads were on, it was good. Anxious to see the tape of some of these periods.” Coach Payton spoke on the intensity and frequency that the Broncos roster is currently operating at, emphasizing the importance of creating a structure to reinforce strengths carrying over from last season as well as adapting to roster changes and missing players.
Another detail discussed on Monday was center Luke Wattenberg’s early exit. The center reportedly went down during a one-on-one drill. When asked about the incident head coach Payton updated that the team would evaluate and address what caused the incident and stated that he thought Wattenberg would be fine. Alex Forsyth filled in for Wattenberg after his early exit.
After being injured rookie wide receiver Joseph Manjack IV and pass rusher Drew Sanders both returned Monday, however tight end Caleb Lohner remains sidelined while outside linebacker Dondrea Tillman was putting reps in on the side field away from the main practice session.
Sean Payton also spoke on cornerback Riley Moss’s recent performances, the head coach admiring the young talents work ethic. It is said that Moss once again had a solid practice this last Monday.
More standout performances lie in the hands of even younger talent Pat Bryant. Bryant was also praised by Coach Payton in the presser, having this to say, “He’s really good at run after the catch. I said this to you guys a year ago, he’s real smart. So, he’s someone that can move from X to the slot. It’ll be easy creating his role”.
Though camp is still ongoing and there is much more to come, these reports paired with the praises from head coach Payton appear to be promising.
Some rumors managed to make their way back to Coach Payton as a reporter addressed the recent commotion over the apparent switch of Jahdae Barron to the safety position, which Sean Payton swiftly shut down, clarifying no change would be happening, emphasizing that his current role remains and no further changes will be necessary.
With Taysom Hill not returning to the New Orleans Saints, the Broncos have emerged as a potential landing spot for the talented tight end for a potential reunion with Coach Payton. The Broncos will explore bringing Hill to the Mile High City, but even with the reported interest, coach Payton made it clear on Monday’s practice that there is no urgency and will allow things to unfold. Sean Payton stated, “I don’t want to assume that he still wants to play…”.
With ten more days left in the camp, more developments and updates will emerge which will hopefully strengthen not only our beloved squad but as well as help fans gauge where the Broncos stand heading into this new season.
In other Denver sports news, the Colorado Rockies swept the Kansas City Royals in a three-game stretch spanning from Friday to Sunday, Fridays game ending in a 3-1 score whereas the next two games would be closed in dominant fashion with a 12-6 win and an 8-1 win. As of now the Rockies are in the middle of a three-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays, game one ending in a 13-9 Rockies loss. Game two featured another loss in a 9-7 score against Tampa Bay. Game three is set for today, Wednesday August 5th @ 1:10pm MST.
