The Denver Broncos face significant roster movement heading into their crucial Week 16 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Left guard Ben Powers returns from injured reserve after suffering a torn biceps for nine games, while the team deals with a devastating injury to rookie wide receiver Pat Bryant. The Broncos’ health status could significantly impact their playoff positioning as they sit at 12-2.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Ben Powers officially activated from IR after tearing his biceps in Week 5 against Philadelphia
- Powers missed 9 games and underwent surgery to repair the partially torn biceps
- Pat Bryant carted off during the Jaguars game after taking a hard hit over the middle
- Broncos are 12-2 in the AFC West race with critical playoff implications
Ben Powers Returns to Bolster Offensive Line
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Ben Powers makes his long-awaited return to the Broncos’ offensive line after suffering a torn biceps in Week 5 against the Philadelphia Eagles. The seven-year veteran was originally projected to miss nine to ten weeks, which aligned perfectly with his activation in Week 16. During Powers’ nine-game absence, Alex Palczewski shifted from tackle to guard and stabilized the position with eight consecutive starts.
Head Coach Sean Payton emphasized the importance of managing Powers’ transition back into game action. “There’s always that transition period,” Payton explained when discussing the returning starter. Powers underwent surgery to repair the partially torn biceps and participated in practice throughout the week to prepare for his return against Jacksonville.
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For Powers, the injury occurred when his biceps tendon popped against the Eagles in Week 5, yet the veteran remained in the game and blocked with one arm for the remainder of the drive. His return strengthens the Broncos’ offensive line as they enter the critical final stretch of the season with their 12-2 record in contention.
Critical Roster Moves Shape Week 16 Preparations
Beyond Powers’ return, the Broncos made several significant roster adjustments heading into the Jaguars matchup. The team elevated Delarrin Turner-Yell from the practice squad and brought in quarterback Sam Ehlinger as additional depth. Meanwhile, safety Brandon Jones was placed on injured reserve with a pectoral injury, ruling him out for at least four weeks.
The Broncos also waived offensive lineman Calvin Throckmorton as a clear signal that veterans could accept Powers’ return to full strength. These moves indicate Denver’s commitment to maintaining roster flexibility during the final weeks of the regular season while managing the injury landscape that has affected their secondary and linebacker groups.
| Broncos Injury Report | Status |
| Ben Powers, LG | Activated from IR (Biceps) |
| Pat Bryant, WR | Injured vs Jaguars (Brutal Hit) |
| Brandon Jones, Safety | Placed on IR (Pectoral) |
| Matt Peart, OT | IR – ACL Tear (Season) |
Pat Bryant’s Shocking Injury Darkens Denver’s Victory
The Broncos faced devastating news in the final minute of their game against Jacksonville when rookie receiver Pat Bryant was carted off the field after taking a jarring hit from Jaguars cornerback Montaric Brown. Bryant had been clearing health protocols after missing Week 15 with a hamstring injury and was active for this matchup against Jacksonville.
Bryant absorbed the brutality of a hit over the middle while attempting to haul in a pass from quarterback Bo Nix. The rookie wide receiver was unable to walk off the field and required immediate medical attention, changing the mood of what should have been a celebration. The injury occurred in the most critical moment of the game, adding to the Broncos’ injury concerns heading into the playoff stretch.
Offensive Line Depth Challenges as Playoffs Near
Beyond Powers’ return, the Broncos’ offensive line has weathered significant injuries throughout the 2025 season. Matt Peart suffered a season-ending ACL tear in Week 6 after replacing Powers at left guard. The combination of injuries to key offensive linemen underscores Denver’s challenge in maintaining continuity up front, especially with quarterback Bo Nix adapting to NFL-level pressure throughout his rookie season.
Powers’ return addresses one critical gap on the offensive line. His seven years of NFL experience and the fact he was having “one of the best initial stretches of his career in 2025” before his injury makes his activation especially valuable. Palczewski’s steady performance in his absence provided stability, but having the primary starter back should enhance the Broncos’ ability to protect Nix during critical moments.
How Will Denver Navigate These Changes Before the Playoffs?
The Broncos face critical timing with their injury management as they prepare for the remainder of the regular season and eventual playoff push. Can Ben Powers shake off the rust after missing nearly two-and-a-half months of game action? Will the loss of Pat Bryant‘s receiving talent force Denver to adjust their offensive schemes? The answers to these questions will shape the Broncos’ trajectory as they sit at 12-2 with their sights set on AFC playoff positioning.
Sources
- Denver Broncos Official – Roster updates and injury reports
- USA Today’s Broncos Wire – Game and injury coverage
- Denver Post Sports – Comprehensive injury analysis
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