The Denver Broncos entered the 2025 training camp with soaring optimism, a reinvigorated roster, and dreams of reclaiming the AFC West crown. But just as momentum was building, a jarring update slammed the brakes on that momentum—linebacker Drew Sanders, one of the team’s most promising young defenders, has reportedly suffered a significant foot injury and is expected to miss an extended period of time. The news, first reported by NFL insiders, sent shockwaves through the Broncos’ facility and across the league. For a franchise banking on its young talent to take the next step, the loss of Sanders presents a serious hurdle.
Sanders, a third-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Arkansas, was entering a pivotal year in his development. After flashing tremendous upside in his rookie season—racking up tackles, showing versatility across multiple linebacker spots, and contributing on special teams—he was projected to play a much larger role in 2025. With Josey Jewell departing in free agency and the coaching staff shifting to a more aggressive, hybrid defensive scheme under coordinator Vance Joseph, Sanders was pegged as a potential breakout star. His rare combination of size, speed, and instincts made him a tantalizing weapon for a Broncos defense already teeming with playmakers.
Now, with Sanders shelved indefinitely, Denver must adjust. Early reports suggest the injury could keep him out for the bulk of the season, though timelines are still murky pending further evaluation. What’s certain is that the Broncos will now need to dig into their depth chart, shift responsibilities, and potentially explore the free agent market to compensate for this loss. The timing couldn’t be worse. With the team entering preseason preparations and hoping to finalize roles before the opener, losing such a crucial chess piece disrupts the flow of a defense that was expected to be one of the league’s most dynamic units in 2025.
Sanders wasn’t just expected to be a contributor—he was viewed internally as a potential star in the making. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 235 pounds, he brought a rare frame to the inside linebacker spot and had the versatility to rush off the edge, cover tight ends, and sniff out screens with sideline-to-sideline range. His versatility made him invaluable in Joseph’s system, where disguising coverages and blitz packages is a foundational element. Sanders was being cross-trained in multiple roles throughout OTAs and early camp sessions, with the coaching staff emphasizing that his football IQ had taken a leap during the offseason.
Broncos head coach Sean Payton had high praise for Sanders just weeks ago, calling him “one of the smartest and most physically gifted young defenders I’ve been around.” That kind of endorsement from a coach who helped mold future Hall of Famers in New Orleans only reinforced the belief that Sanders was on a trajectory toward becoming a central pillar of the defense. His ability to pair with Alex Singleton in the middle of the defense gave Denver a formidable linebacker duo that blended instincts, experience, and explosiveness. Losing that pairing now raises critical questions about the defense’s spine.
While Denver’s defense remains deep and talented—boasting stars like Patrick Surtain II, Justin Simmons, and Randy Gregory—the linebacker room becomes a major area of concern without Sanders. Jonas Griffith, another young linebacker with starting experience, becomes a name to watch. Griffith missed much of the 2024 season due to injury himself but has reportedly looked strong in camp. Then there’s Justin Strnad, a former fifth-round pick who’s shown flashes but has struggled to stay healthy. Depth will be tested, and roles may need to be reshuffled to ensure the defense maintains its physicality and intelligence in the middle of the field.
In the wake of Sanders’ injury, expect the Broncos to be aggressive in evaluating their options. General manager George Paton could look to the waiver wire or the trade market to add a veteran presence. Several experienced linebackers remain unsigned, including players with starting pedigree who could step into a rotational or mentorship role. Given the team’s aspirations and its top-10 defensive ranking last season, it’s unlikely they’ll leave such a critical position to chance. Any acquisition, however, would be a stopgap solution; there’s no replacing the long-term potential that Sanders brought to the roster.
What makes this injury sting even more is that Sanders had become a fan favorite in short order. Broncos Country had rallied around the former Razorback, whose work ethic, charisma, and relentless playing style reminded some of a young Al Wilson. In interviews, he spoke about embracing the pressure of playing in Denver and striving to leave a legacy. His journey to the NFL was already marked by resilience—originally recruited as a five-star quarterback in high school, he switched to linebacker at Alabama before transferring to Arkansas, where he blossomed into an All-SEC performer. That same adaptability and mental toughness had served him well in Denver, where he quickly earned the trust of the coaching staff and his teammates.
Now, that journey hits a speed bump. Injuries are part of football, but when they strike rising stars just as their careers are taking flight, the disappointment hits harder. Sanders will likely undergo surgery depending on the severity and location of the foot injury, though the team has yet to confirm those details. Recovery timelines for foot injuries can be tricky—ranging from several weeks to several months depending on whether it’s a Lisfranc injury, plantar fascia issue, or a broken bone. Regardless, the priority now shifts to getting Sanders healthy, both physically and mentally.
Teammates have already begun rallying around him, with multiple players posting messages of support on social media. Safety Justin Simmons tweeted, “We got you, Drew. Bounce back stronger. This defense will hold it down for you.” Such solidarity is a hallmark of this Broncos locker room, which has developed a reputation in recent years for its tight-knit culture. That culture, forged through adversity, will now be tested once again. But if any team can weather the storm, it might be this version of the Denver Broncos—a team that believes its best days are ahead, not behind.
The timing of the injury also adds new wrinkles to the broader narrative of the 2025 season. With Bo Nix taking over as quarterback, Sean Payton’s second year as head coach, and the team’s defense viewed as one of the NFL’s best, expectations were soaring. Sanders was supposed to be one of the breakout players who helped bridge the gap between Denver’s elite veterans and its emerging youth movement. His absence will now challenge the coaching staff to get creative and for younger players to seize their opportunity. That includes undrafted rookies, fringe veterans, and even practice squad talents who may suddenly find themselves thrust into meaningful reps.
And let’s not forget special teams. Sanders was a standout contributor in that phase as well, and his absence will be felt there too. Replacing a player who brought value across all three units of the game is no easy task. It requires not just a next-man-up mentality but a coordinated effort from every coach on staff to rework packages, communication chains, and coverage assignments.
There’s a chance, of course, that Sanders recovers faster than expected. Medicine has advanced, and athletes today often return from injuries that used to derail entire seasons. But even in a best-case scenario, the Broncos must prepare to be without him for a significant stretch. It’s a gut punch, no question. But it’s also a test—a test of the team’s depth, resolve, and championship mindset.
For Drew Sanders, the road back will be steep. But given everything he’s already overcome, betting against him would be foolish. Broncos fans should expect to see him back at some point—whether late this season or early in 2026—ready to pick up where he left off. Until then, his teammates will carry the torch and try to turn a painful moment into a galvanizing one.
Football is often described as the ultimate team sport, and moments like this remind us why. The Broncos aren’t just counting on one player to step up—they’re counting on the entire locker room to respond. If they do, if they embrace the adversity and rise to the challenge, Drew Sanders’ injury may become more than just a setback. It could become the rallying cry for a team determined to make 2025 the year it finally returns to relevance.
