Denver Broncos linebacker Drew Sanders is out indefinitely after a July 2025 training camp injury. How will Alex Singleton and rookies fill the defensive void?
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Just as the optimism for the 2025 season was hitting a fever pitch in Denver, the Broncos were dealt a significant blow on a quiet Sunday. Linebacker Drew Sanders, a key piece of the defensive puzzle, suffered a serious tendon injury in his foot during Saturday's practice. With an MRI confirming he is out for an extended period, the news casts a sudden shadow over the start of training camp and poses the first major test for a team brimming with new confidence.
'A new era is on the horizon for the Denver Broncos, led by a talented roster poised to turn things around in the NFL.' - Head Coach Sean Payton
The news of Drew Sanders' injury sent ripples through Broncos Country, with fans and media taking to social media to wish the 2023 third-round pick a speedy recovery. The timing is brutal, as Sanders was competing for a crucial role at inside linebacker. His absence now places a heavier burden on veterans Alex Singleton and Dre Greenlaw to anchor the defense. More importantly, it swings the door wide open for a trio of undrafted rookies—JB Brown, Karene Reid, and Jordan Turner—who will see a dramatic increase in opportunities to prove they belong.
Despite the injury setback, the overarching message from team leadership remains one of unwavering optimism. Head Coach Sean Payton has been vocal about a significant culture shift, emphasizing improved roster depth and leadership as the foundation for a turnaround. This unfortunate situation with Sanders will be the first real test of that touted depth. Payton's vision of a 'new era' isn't just about talent; it's about how the team responds to adversity, a challenge that has arrived earlier than anyone hoped.
While the defense grapples with a key loss, there's a growing sense of stability on the other side of the ball. Quarterback Bo Nix, heading into his second year, expressed a newfound comfort and confidence in the system. Working closely with QB coach Davis Webb, Nix's command of the offense is visibly stronger. His statement that he 'feels more at home here, both in the community and in this offense,' provides a crucial silver lining and a reminder that the team's most important position is in steady hands.
While Sunday was a day of rest and unfortunate reflection on the Sanders injury, Monday marks a critical turning point. With the pads finally coming on, the intensity will ramp up, and the true test of the Broncos' depth and resilience begins. All eyes will be on the linebacker group to see who seizes this unexpected opportunity and how the team's new culture responds to its first major challenge of the 2025 season.
