The Denver Broncos got back on the practice field on Friday, but several players–including First Team All-Pro special teamer and reserve safety Devon Key–took modified approaches to the session.
It is unclear what Key is dealing with, but his limited participation coincides with starters like Jaylen Waddle and fellow All-Pro Marvin Mims Jr. both missing practice, among other woes.
The Broncos have a deep safety room and special teams, but Key has earned his keep.
Broncos Get ‘New’ Injury Concern With Devon Key
Key, 28, is a former undrafted free agent who began his career with stints on the Kansas City Chiefs and Atlanta Falcons’ respective rosters before landing with the Broncos in 2023. He has appeared in 35 games for the Broncos.
He started two of those contests.
However, Key was a new addition to what is a lengthy list of walking wounded for the Broncos in training camp.
“Doing side-field rehab work at #Broncos camp today: S Devon Key (this is new), WR Jaylen Waddle, OL Luke Wattenberg, Nick Gargiulo (PUP), CB Sean Fresch, OLB Dasan McCullough, ILB Jordan Turner (non-football IL),” The Denver Post’s Luca Evans reported on X on August 8.
“Marvin Mims just watching today, don’t see him doing rehab.”
Key saw his role on defense greatly reduced in 2025. He became a core special teamer. Key logged 82% of the available snaps in games that he was healthy for, per Pro Football Reference.
Broncos Managing Stars Amid ‘Great Sign’ From Jaylen Waddle
In addition to the non-participants like Key, the Broncos had several players exit practice after their opening stretch on the day.
“CB Pat Surtain, DT Zach Allen and RT Mike McGlinchey headed into the building after stretch,” The Denver Post’s Parker Gabriel reported in a post on X on August 8, adding that it “Looks like rest days for them.”
As for Waddle, the Broncos got a “great sign,” per DNVR’s Zac Stevens.
Stevens noted the wideout was in good spirits. He was also moving well and no longer sporting the leg sleeve that he had on the day before.
Training camp is the proper time for teams to be overly cautious, so fans can hold out hope that that is all the recent rash of injuries and absences proves to be for the Broncos. They managed receiver Courtland Sutton and his reps, and head coach Sean Payton said others would follow.
Naturally, participation is worth monitoring over the next several Broncos practices.
Broncos Face ‘New’ Issue With First Team All-Pro as Injury List Grows