The Denver Broncos are happy to have Pro Bowl tight end Evan Engram back in the mix, and head coach Sean Payton plans on putting the veteran to good use.
Both are notable developments ahead of the Broncos’ Week 4 “Monday Night Football” showdown against the Cincinnati Bengals, with Engram returning to the practice field and Payton confirming he will play in primetime.
Notably, this is also a revenge game for the Broncos.
Sean Payton Talks Evan Engram’s Return to Broncos’ Lineup
GettyEvan Engram #1 of the Denver Broncos runs after a catch against the Arizona Cardinals.
Payton first noted that Engram was “doing well. He’s full [participation in practice]. He’s playing [against the Bengals]” during his media availability on Saturday, the Broncos’ final practice day of the week before taking on the Bengals on “Monday Night Football.”
Then, Payton fielded a question about how critical Engram is to the Broncos’ offense.
“I think there are certainly matchups; Third down, red zone come to mind,” Payton said. “But I think it’s – with him on the field, we’re a better offense.”
Through two games played, Engram, who said he is ready to get back on the field, has logged a 38% snap share, per Pro Football Reference. That falls short of his previous career low of 67%, which he set while with the New York Giants in 2018.
He has four receptions for 33 yards.
That is hardly the kind of production the Broncos hoped for when they signed Engram to a two-year, $23 million contract in free agency this past offseason.
Sean Payton Touts Evan Engram’s Value, Defends Usage
GettyDenver Broncos head coach Sean Payton looks on during a game against the Tennessee Titans.
Payton again faced questions about how he has utilized Engram in the Broncos’ offense when the tight end has been healthy. He did not deny how tight ends like Engram challenge nickel defenses.
“I think teams value that because of – it becomes a problem relative to how you’re playing zone,” Payton said. “But man-to-man, you can watch the tape and just see these guys on film, who we think would be the matchup based on the three other games. But yeah, I think it [is key] especially when you get into your third down red zone packages.”
The questioning then turned to Engram serving as a tell for opposing defenses, playing only passing downs. Notably, Engram has preached patience when asked about his usage.
Evan Engram on Sean Payton saying he’s going to be a big part of the offense
Payton pushed back on the idea that the Broncos have only used Engram that way.
“There’s a ton of run, RP[Os],” Payton said in response to the question. “We look at that each week. So, there’s a lot of run plays. There’s a lot of runs where he’s on the field and doing various things.”
It is possible some plays were changed at the line of scrimmage. Still, according to Pro Football Focus, Engram has been on the field for 41 pass plays to nine run calls so far this season.
Evan Engram Expected to ‘Get Going’
GettyEvan Engram #1 of the Denver Broncos at the 2024 NFL Pro Bowl Games.
Broncos offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi also pushed back on negative views about Engram’s usage, specifically when asked “what hasn’t clicked.”
“I don’t know if there’s anything that hasn’t clicked. I think, a little bit like the running backs, we got a bunch of tight ends that we like, and they all do different things well,” Lombardi told reporters on September 26. “We’re aware of what that guy’s strengths are, and he’ll be getting going here real soon, I think.”
Engram’s next opportunity to “get going” is on Monday night against the Bengals.
Evan Engram Gets Strong Endorsement Before Return to Broncos’ Lineup