Broncos Head Coach Sean Payton Announces Starters, Including Rookie Bo Nix, Will Play in Preseason
At a hot practice session at Broncos Park, rookie quarterback and first-round pick Bo Nix impressed head coach Sean Payton with his performance. Payton, who is committed to playing the starters in the preseason, praised Nix’s development as he took the majority of snaps with the first team.
“I thought overall pretty well,” Payton said of Nix. “There are clips and plays where you’re going to look at and correct, and then there are others where you’re going to say, ‘Hey’ — but I do have to watch the film because I’m looking at so much. He ran with the ones, and I like his progress.”
Quarterback Rotation and Receiver Highlights
After making adjustments to the quarterback rotation, both Bo Nix and Jarrett Stidham continued to see significant playing time. The practice session focused heavily on third-down work, and Payton took the opportunity to praise wide receiver Josh Reynolds for his standout performance.
“(Reynolds) had three or four catches that were something else,” Payton remarked about the offseason acquisition from Detroit. “He’s a tough player. He has range. You saw today there were a number of 50-50 balls that he ended up with. We had a good, clear vision for him and I’m glad we have him.”
Preseason Plans and Starters’ Participation
Payton emphasized the importance of building a “callus” by playing the starters in the preseason, a strategy he plans to continue from last year. The Broncos will begin their preseason with a trip to Indianapolis on August 11. “Obviously, you weigh the reps. When I say we’re going to play them, in Week 1 it will be a certain number of snaps, Week 2 the same, and then we’ll see where we’re at in Week 3. I think it’s important, so our guys know that,” Payton explained.
Extra Points
- Injury Update: Tackle Quinn Bailey left practice with a fractured ankle. “He’s a tremendous teammate and a guy that all he does is work his tail off,” Payton commented.
- Tight End Greg Dulcich: Dulcich continued to show good form and health this preseason, overcoming past injuries, particularly hamstring issues. His rehab involved relearning how to walk and adjusting his gait. “All summer, we were just working to build volume on it,” Dulcich said. “Running, sprinting and change of direction. All of it. I feel good.”
- Defensive Line Experience: Heading into his eighth season, defensive tackle D.J. Jones isn’t worried about securing a new contract. With the additions of John Franklin-Myers and Malcolm Roach to the defensive line, Jones highlighted the importance of having experienced players in the trenches. “I think it’s everything. If we can’t stop the run, we can’t win as a team,” Jones stated.
As the Broncos gear up for the preseason, Payton’s strategy of integrating starters early aims to prepare the team for a competitive season ahead.
