Drew Sanders: Everything you need to know

Sanders (ankle) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's AFC Championship Game against the Patriots. Sanders has yet to make his season debut, having started the year on injured reserve. The third-year linebacker had his 21-day practice window opened this past Saturday. The 24-year-old was able to practice fully throughout the week, but will ultimately not be activated for Sunday's game. The Broncos currently have 10 active linebackers, and the availability within the unit is likely one of the reasons that Sanders will have to continue to wait for a shot to suit up.

Sanders (ankle) has been ruled out for Saturday's AFC divisional-round tilt against the Bills, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports. Sanders opened the season on injured reserve while recovering from an offseason procedure to repair a torn ligament in his foot. His 21-day practice window opened this past Saturday, and while he was able to log a full practice Thursday, he hasn't progressed enough in his recovery to be activated from injured reserve ahead of the divisional round. Sanders' next chance to make his season debut will be the AFC Championship Game if the Broncos triumph over the Bills on Saturday.

Sanders (foot) was designated to return from the injured reserve list Saturday, Mike Klis of 9News Denver reports. Sanders, a 2023 third-round pick from Arkansas, was sidelined for the entire regular season due to a foot injury sustained in training camp. However, it now appears he could return for the Broncos' playoff run. If activated to the active roster prior to Denver's divisional-round matchup next weekend, Sanders will likely operate as one of the team's top reserve inside linebackers.