Overview

• Third-year defensive end Matt Henningsen suffered a torn Achilles in early August and is ruled out for the entire 2025 season according to head coach Sean Payton.
• The Broncos will open the season with Zach Allen, D.J. Jones and John Franklin-Myers as their starting defensive trio.
• Limited cap space—approximately $5.5 million—prevents Denver from pursuing major external additions at defensive end.
• Fourth-year lineman Eyioma Uwazurike, after serving a 2023 suspension, joins third-round pick Sai’vion Jones, Malcolm Roach and Jordan Jackson in competing for rotational roles.
• Camp performances and remaining preseason games will determine which internal candidates secure spots behind the established starters.