The Denver Broncos will be missing a key player on their interior defensive line as Sunday’s season opener nears.
Malcolm Roach exited practice on Thursday and was initially listed as limited on the injury report with a calf issue. However, Park Gabriel of The Denver Post reports that Roach has a Grade 2 calf strain and is likely to miss several weeks.
If the Broncos expect Roach to miss four or more games, they may consider placing him on short-term injured reserve.
GettyDENVER, COLORADO – OCTOBER 06: Malcolm Roach #97 of the Denver Broncos reacts after a tackle against the Las Vegas Raiders during the third quarter at Empower Field At Mile High on October 06, 2024 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
Malcolm Roach Has Been Key Part of Broncos Defense
Roach serves as the Broncos’ primary backup rotational defensive lineman behind starters D.J. Jones, Zach Allen, and John Franklin-Myers. With him sidelined, Eyioma Uwazurike, Jordan Jackson, and third-round pick Sai’vion Jones could see increased playing time.
Roach specializes in stopping the run and he was a big boost to the Broncos‘ run defense last season. Roach, who played college football at Texas, signed with Denver in March 2024 after spending his first four seasons with the New Orleans Saints.
Broncos head coach Sean Payton previously coached Roach during their time together in New Orleans. Payton paid Roach a compliment this offseason.
“I don’t recall when I was in New Orleans that leadership. He was a younger player there. The leadership,” Payton said on June 10. “One of his great traits is he doesn’t have bad days. If you guys have spent time interviewing him, he’s upbeat, he comes out here with energy. I think that’s contagious to his position group.”
“He was a part of it. He was a part of it,” Payton added when asked if Roach made his linemates better. “We’re glad he’s with us.”
Denver Broncos Have Handful of Injuries, Including Star Linebacker
Elsewhere on the injury front, Broncos outside linebacker Dondrea Tillman was limited Thursday with a hamstring injury, though KUSA-TV’s Mike Klis reports that he “checked out fine.” Tillman serves as a rotational pass rusher behind starters Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper.
Also, star linebacker Dre Greenlaw (quad) and tight end Nate Adkins (ankle) missed practice for the second straight day, while wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. (thigh), outside linebacker Nik Bonitto (foot), and inside linebacker Alex Singleton (thumb) practiced fully.
If Greenlaw is unable to play, Justin Strnad is expected to start, with undrafted Karene Reid seeing some snaps and Levelle Bailey being elevated from the practice squad. Even if Greenlaw suits up, his workload will likely be limited. Should Tillman miss any time, promising rookie Que Robinson is expected to step in for him.
“You’re always prepared for your guys to step up and play any position – linebacker, safety, corner,'” said Denver defensive coordinator Vance Joseph. “Every guy on our roster, practice squad included, has to be ready to play. So no worries there. Dre’s working hard and we’ll see what happens on Sunday but we have (backup) guys who are capable.”
The Broncos open the season against the Tennessee Titans at Mile High on Sept. 7 at 4:05 p.m. EDT.
Broncos Get Bad News on Defensive Lineman After Injury at Practice