The Denver Broncos came into the 2025 season with plenty of optimism. After snapping a playoff drought last year and finishing with 10 wins, the hope was that Sean Payton and second-year quarterback Bo Nix could push the team even further.
Expectations set Denver’s win total at 9.5. Still, many analysts believed the Broncos had the talent to clear that number and stay in the AFC West race.
Evan Engram Joins Denver, Facing Injuries Early
Part of that excitement centered around new tight end Evan Engram. Signed in March to a two-year, $23 million deal with $16.5 million guaranteed, he was brought in to be a reliable target and playmaker for Nix. After weighing his options in free agency, including a visit with the Chargers, he chose Denver, intending to kickstart a new chapter in his career.
So far, though, things haven’t gone as planned. Through two games, Engram has just four catches for 33 yards. He battled through a calf injury in Week 1, returned to the field in Week 2, and hoped to build momentum from there.
Instead, he’s now dealing with a back injury that will sideline him for Week 3 against those very same Chargers.
Friday’s #DENvsLAC injury report:
📰 » https://t.co/xNwearwLz1 pic.twitter.com/TB5j7PKfTa
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) September 19, 2025
It’s not the start Engram envisioned when he signed on to join Payton’s offense. A proven veteran with speed and athleticism, he was expected to give Denver a different dimension in the passing game. Instead, he’s had to watch injuries get in the way of his fresh start.
How Long Will Engram Be Out?
The Broncos will have to adjust quickly. Adam Trautman, Nate Adkins, and Lucas Krull will handle the tight end responsibilities on Sunday, with Trautman being the most experienced of the group. While they’re capable options, none bring quite the same upside as Engram when he’s healthy.
For now, the hope is that this back injury doesn’t linger. Denver has a long season ahead, and having Engram back in the mix will be important if the offense is going to reach its full potential.
Read More: Should You Start Evan Engram or Mike Evans?
The Broncos need him to be more than just a secondary option; they need him to be a consistent weapon for Nix as he continues to grow into his role as the team’s quarterback of the future.
Although Engram won’t be playing in Week 3, it’s more important to ask how soon and whether he can return to the field. A Broncos team that wants to establish itself as one of the best in the AFC will need the Engram they signed, not the one that is sidelined.
