The Denver Broncos are in a very solid place at this point in the season, currently on a five-game win streak and resting at 6-2 – one full game ahead atop the AFC West.
Offensively, Bo Nix has continued on from what was a successful first season as a pro, posting very similar metrics over the first half of 2025 as he did over the span of the 2024 season.
However, the team made two attempts to add depth to one of the shallower position groups on their offense – tight end – on Monday, via the official NFL waiver wire, but unfortunately came up with neither.
Broncos Unable To Add Depth To Shallow Rooom
Per Adam Schefter, Denver looked to add recently released Houston Texan, Brendan Bates, and ex-Packer, Ben Sims, but were denied both claims, as they were picked up by teams (Cleveland and Minnesota) who have a worse record this season than the Broncos.
“Broncos put in waiver claims Monday for TE Brendan Bates and TE Ben Sims.” Schefter wrote on Tuesday. “But Cleveland had a higher claim and was awarded Bates, and Minnesota had a higher claim and was awarded Sims.”
The Broncos’ tight end group is fairly solid up top, with two-time Pro Bowler, Evan Engram, leading the way with former New Orleans Saints‘ third round pick, Adam Trautman as his deputy.
Yet, beyond that, the group does start to look thin, particularly since the only other active option – former 2023 undrafted free agent, Nate Adkins, has suffered a PCL strain, and could be out for a while.
The team also has ex-undrafted 2022 product, Lucas Krull, but he remains on injured reserve as he faces foot surgery.
Broncos Offense Looking Good Despite Injuries
In the aftermath of the news that reigning Defensive Player of the Year and star cornerback, Pat Surtain II will miss around a month of action due to a pectoral injury, little focus has been on the multiple injuries accumulated on offense in week 8 against the Dallas Cowboys.
Despite the loss of Adkins and wide receiver, Marvin Mims Jr., who is currently in concussion protocol after getting hit on a kick return towards the end of the game, the offense is riding high.
The team rank 9th in the league in total offense, although just 14th through the air – and 10th in scoring offense.
Courtland Sutton has once again proved that he is not past it, and is able to put up numbers commensurate to his WR1 status, and second year fourth round pick, Troy Franklin, has taken up the burden as the team’s de facto #2.
Perhaps the most impressive factor on the offense, beyond Bo Nix and the pass-catching corps, has been the domination on the ground. Denver are the league’s 3rd best rushing offense, and JK Dobbins has been one of the surprise break-out backs in the league this season, along with Dallas’ Javonte Williams – ironically, formerly of the Broncos.
And now, rookie second round pick, RJ Harvey is starting to gain some momentum after posting a two-touchdown 56 total yard game on Sunday.
Broncos Fail To Add Pass-Catching Pair On Waiver Wire