Dre Greenlaw, Nate Adkins ruled out against Colts with injuries | Broncos notebook

ENGLEWOOD — Broncos inside linebacker Dre Greenlaw and tight end Nate Adkins have been ruled out against the Colts on Sunday due to injuries. 

Greenlaw (quad) participated Friday in the media viewing portion of practice and was upgraded to limited. He later worked on the side field with defensive line teammate Malcom Roach, who was placed on injured reserve (calf) prior to Week 1 against the Titans.  

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw (57) is introduced before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)

Adkins (ankle) returned to the practice field for the first time on Thursday as a limited participant. He was also limited on Friday. 

Three players listed on the injury report — tight end Evan Engram, defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers and inside linebacker Alex Singleton — are on track to play against Indianapolis with no injury designations. 

Engram participated Friday in the media viewing portion of practice. He was a limited participant on Wednesday before his status shifted to full on Thursday and Friday. Engram suffered a calf injury against the Titans and did not return to play. 

Singleton (thumb) and Franklin-Myers (knee) were also cleared the play on Sunday against the Colts. 

Colts injuries 

Two key pieces in the Colts’ secondary have been ruled out on Sunday due to injuries.  

Cornerbacks Charvarius Ward (concussion) and Jaylon Jones (hamstring) will not play against the Broncos, coach Shane Steichen told Indianapolis media on Friday. Their likely replacements include cornerbacks Xavien Howard and Mekhi Blackmon, who played in college for the Colorado Buffaloes.  

It sets up well for a bounce-back performance from Broncos quarterback Bo Nix. The second-year starter mostly struggled in the season opener against the Titans. Nix completed 25 of 40 passes for 176 yards with one touchdown, two interceptions and a lost fumble. 

“We pay attention to all of that,” coach Sean Payton said regarding the Colts’ injury report. “Sometimes, you want to see in the first series … all right, who is taking over the role.”

RB rotation

It appears likely that running back Jaleel McLaughlin will be inactive for a second consecutive game.

The Broncos opted to sit McLaughlin for Week 1 against the Titans as a healthy scratch. That opened the door for Tyler Badie to be the team’s third running back behind J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey.

Badie did not record any rushing stats in the win over Tennessee. But he received six passing targets with two catches for 16 yards. Badie also played a key role in pass protection on mainly third downs.

Payton explained on Friday how Badie’s strengths are a factor in game planning against the Colts.

“We think (Badie) can run well, he’s good in the pickups (and) he’s good in the passing game. You know exactly what you’re getting,” Payton said. “This week is a significant week in the protections because of the amount of pressure looks we get. There was quite a bit of time spent on third down … even second down. They will give you some exotic looks that you really have to be ready for. (Badie) was someone coming on last year, even as a runner.”

Warren watch

Colts first-round draft pick Tyler Warren is already turning heads after just one game.

The No. 14 overall pick from Penn State logged seven catches for 76 yards in his NFL debut with Indianapolis handing the Dolphins a 33-8 loss.

Payton said that “we liked him” coming into the draft and described Warren as “big, rugged, physical (and) strong.” It poses a difficult challenge for defensive coordinator Vance Joseph on Sunday.

“He’s an all-around good player,” Joseph said regarding Warren. “You saw it last week in the first two or three drives. The plays are being designed for him to make, and he is making them. Having a plan for that player is going to be critical.”

Hall of fame nominees

Seven former Broncos were among 162 nominees in the seniors category of the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s class of 2026, the team announced on Friday.

The Broncos included were Lionel Taylor, Rick Upchurch, Karl Mecklenburg, Goose Gonsoulin, Dennis Smith, Louis Wright and Neil Smith.

Three finalists will be selected later this fall.