WR Pat Bryant Gearing Up for Return as Broncos Open Week 9 Injury Report Activation Window

Bryant begins return process

Denver designated Bryant to return from injured reserve, giving the team a window to add him back to its 53-man roster. He was a full participant in the Broncos’ first Week 9 practice, making an earlier return appear possible.

Bryant was carted off during Denver’s Week 4 loss to the 49ers, but avoided short-term injured reserve. Before the injury, he had nine catches for 133 yards and a touchdown, plus a two-point conversion.

Receiving group could reunite

Jaylen Waddle also practiced fully while managing a minor chest issue. He caught three passes for 39 yards and a touchdown in Denver’s comeback win over Kansas City last week.

Courtland Sutton was limited for a veteran rest day, as was defensive end Zach Allen; both are expected to play against Carolina. If Denver activates Bryant, he could join Waddle, Sutton, Marvin Mims and Troy Franklin on the field.

Four defenders miss practice

Safeties Talanoa Hufanga and Brandon Jones, defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike, and cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine did not practice Wednesday. Jones, Uwazurike and Abrams-Draine were hurt in Week 8, and their availability for Sunday remains uncertain.

Those three would benefit from taking part in at least some practice Thursday and Friday, the report said. Hufanga has been out since Oct. 11 after an initial expectation that he would miss two to three games; Denver’s Week 10 bye could factor into whether he returns.

Bryant’s role in Denver offense

Bryant’s reliable hands and ability to reach balls across a wide area could give quarterback Bo Nix another option over the middle and near the goal line. Denver’s passing attack is averaging 180.4 yards per game, ranking 25th in the NFL.