Denver Broncos camp news for July 31: Courtland Sutton signs a major extension while LB Drew Sanders suffers an injury, creating highs and lows for the team.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
It was a day of stark contrasts at Broncos training camp. While the offense celebrated a major win with Courtland Sutton signing a long-term, team-friendly extension to likely finish his career in orange and blue, the defense took a significant blow. Linebacker Drew Sanders was sidelined with an injury, immediately testing the depth of a key position group as the team endured a physical, third-down focused practice on Day 5.
Courtland Sutton recognizes this as his last major contract and is focused on maximizing his Super Bowl window with the team.
The best news of the day, and perhaps all of training camp so far, was the contract extension for star wide receiver Courtland Sutton. Analysts are calling the deal 'team-friendly,' a major victory for the front office that secures the team's top pass-catcher for the foreseeable future. For Sutton, it's about more than money; it's about legacy. Reports indicate he views this as his final big contract and is all-in on chasing a championship in Denver, providing a huge morale boost and stability for the offense.
The physical nature of camp claimed its first significant victim on Thursday. Linebacker Drew Sanders, a projected key contributor, was ruled out with an unspecified injury, casting a shadow over the defense. His absence creates a major hole and puts immense pressure on the remaining linebacker corps. To a lesser extent, veteran Alex Singleton was also tabbed as a camp 'loser' so far, signaling that competition is fierce and no roster spot is guaranteed. The team's depth will be tested early.
Beyond the player news, the theme of Day 5 was grit. The coaching staff put the entire team through a grueling, physical practice with a heavy emphasis on third-down execution. Both the offense and defense were challenged in these critical, game-deciding situations. This focus highlights a clear mandate from the coaches: win the pivotal downs that so often separate wins from losses in the NFL. The intensity is ramping up as roster battles heat up across the board.
While the players battled on the field, the team gave Broncos Country a reason to cheer. A limited number of half-priced single-game tickets for the 2025 season went on sale, with prices starting as low as $25. The announcement created a frenzy among fans, offering a rare, affordable chance to see the team live at Empower Field at Mile High. It's a great gesture that ensures the stadium will be rocking with passionate supporters all season long.
With Sutton secured and the team grinding through situational football, the focus now shifts to the defense. Who will step up to fill the void left by Sanders' injury? The next few weeks of camp will be a true test of the Broncos' depth and resilience as they build towards a crucial 2025 season.
