Broncos could get 2 reinforcements from IR after divisional round

[ASFN Admin]

The Denver Broncos could be getting some key reinforcements from injured reserve if they make it past the divisional round of the NFL playoffs.

Denver running back J.K. Dobbins (foot) and center Luke Wattenberg (shoulder) are both potential candidates to return for the AFC Championship game -- if the Broncos win their divisional round matchup on either Jan. 17 or 18.

Because they made the NFL playoffs, Denver received two additional IR returns designations, giving them 10 total. The Broncos only used six during the regular season, so they now have four potential returns remaining. (Broncos Wire previously believed the team was limited to a pair of elevations during the postseason, but that assumption was incorrect. Instead, Denver gains two more designations.)

Broncos IR return designations​

1. DL Malcolm Roach (activated)
2. LB Dre Greenlaw (activated)
3. LB Garret Wallow (activated, but later cut)
4. OG Ben Powers (activated)
5. LB Karene Reid (activated)
6. LB Drew Sanders (not yet activated)
7. Open
8. Open
9. Open
10. Open

Broncos potential candidates to return​

1. TE Lucas Krull (eligible)
2. LB Drew Sanders (eligible)
3. C Luke Wattenberg (possible AFC title game return)
4. RB J.K. Dobbins (possible AFC title game return)

Krull could return to practice as early as Friday, which would open his 21-day window to be activated. Sanders' status, unfortunately, is uncertain. The third-year linebacker has been beset by injuries since the Broncos picked him in the third round of the 2023 NFL draft.

Denver will learn its opponent for the divisional round this weekend. If the Broncos win that upcoming matchup, Wattenberg and Dobbins could be poised to return for the AFC title game.

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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Denver Broncos: 2 players could return from IR after divisional round

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