The Denver Broncos are looking to bounce back from two back-to-back losses against the Indianapolis Colts and division rivals, the Los Angeles Chargers, on Monday night as they face the Cincinnati Bengals.
And part of that will encompass having their top players available. Offseason free agent acquisition, Pro Bowler Evan Engram, was billed as a “joker” candidate for head coach, Sean Payton, when he was bought in this past March.
He has had a limited effect on games early on in the season, managing just 4 total receptions for 33 receptions and no touchdowns.
However, it is worth noting that Engram has not played since week 2 at the Colts, after struggling with calf and back issues early on in his first season in Denver.
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With hopes high that he would be able to return and join the cacophony of weapons at quarterback, Bo Nix‘s disposal, it seems like – in his own words – that the former Giant and Jaguar will suit up for the team on Monday night against the Bengals, per the Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson.
Engram has not done vast amounts on offense since his arrival from Jacksonville, but he has shown throughout his career that he can be one of the more dangerous receiving threats from the tight end position in all of football.
As his time in New York started to fizzle out, the Jaguars helped him re-invigorated his career, as he hit two career highs in receiving yards back-to-back in 2022 and 2023, securing 766 and 963 apiece.
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Despite a 2024 season that was marred by injury, but that still saw the former Ole Miss man put up 365 yards in 9 games, many expected 2025 to usher in new highs for the talented pass catcher, seeing great potential in a Payton-Engram tandem.
Engram will be used in the “joker” slot that he was ultimately recruited for; a term Payton coined that refers to a tight end or running back that has exceptional route-running abilities; and could be a key clutch to aid in the development of Nix.
The Broncos already have Courtland Sutton, Troy Franklin, Marvin Mims and rookie, Pat Bryant in their receiver rotation, along with former third round tight end, Adam Trautman.
Now back into the lineup, Engram will certainly take up attention and resources away from the broadly young and up-and-coming receiving corps, as Denver look to get back to .500 on the year.
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