Broncos' Day 13 Camp Practice Turns Physical Amid Quarterback Injuries
Day 13 of Denver Broncos training camp featured a padded practice with several on-field collisions, including quarterback Bo Nix being hit twice, and defensive coordinator Vance Joseph praised rookie linebacker Red Murdock.
Denver Broncos players returned to full pads for the first of two padded practices on Day 13 of camp, ahead of their Week 2 preseason game against the Green Bay Packers. The session turned notably physical, with multiple skirmishes. Rookie tight end Justin Joly was involved in a confrontation with the defense early in the drill, and later undrafted rookie linebacker Taurean York delivered a hard hit on Joly during a crossing route.
Quarterback Bo Nix was knocked down twice, first by edge rusher Nik Bonitto and later after an interception by linebacker Alex Singleton. After the second hit, Nix pulled Bonitto away from a pile of players. Reserve center Calvin Throckmorton left the practice with a facial wound and required an ice pack.
"We want competitive practice, but you can’t cross the line and hit the quarterback," defensive coordinator Vance Joseph told reporters, emphasizing player safety.
"I love it. It’s football and it’s getting me ready for the games," Nix said in a post-practice interview.
Offensive coordinator Davis Webb highlighted the running back rotation and noted that the offense showed balance and physicality. He also said the team will aim for a clean operation in the upcoming preseason game.
Red Murdock, the final pick of last year’s draft, received praise from Joseph, who said the rookie demonstrated the intelligence needed to call the defense and led the team in tackles during the preseason opener.
Injury updates indicated that offensive lineman Nick Gargiulo remained on the physically unable to perform list, tight end Caleb Lohner and wide receiver Michael Bandy continued to miss practice, and edge rusher Drew Sanders missed his second consecutive session. Star wide receiver Jaylen Waddle practiced in full pads, while other players such as WR Troy Franklin and rookie DT Tyler Onyedim saw limited action.
The Broncos also recorded several notable plays, including a deep completion from Nix to Courtland Sutton, an interception by Alex Singleton, and a touchdown pass from Nix to Troy Franklin. The practice concluded with coaches reminding players to maintain intensity without endangering teammates.