RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesCENTENNIAL , CO - JULY 29: Nik Bonitto (15), Dondrea Tillman (92), Jonah Elliss (52) and Johnny Walker Jr. (59) of the Denver Broncos work out during practice at the Broncos Park in Centennial, Colorado on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) | Denver Post via Getty Images
We’re officially back!
The Denver Broncos returned to the practice field today for their first of two acclimation/ramp up practices before training camp officially kicks off on Friday. This was a lighter non-padded practice allowing the players to work themselves back into action before things get going later in the week. Also, due to fans not being present, the media was still following offseason rules, so the details of what went down are also light.
Ramping up 📶 pic.twitter.com/t5yDocpTOL
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) July 29, 2026
In today’s camp report, we have Bo Nix returning to the practice field and doing team drills for the first time since his injury. We also have Jonathon Cooper present AND practicing fully, comments and quotes from head coach Sean Payton on the matter, Payton saying wide receiver Jaylen Waddle can walk on water, injury updates, news and notes, quotes, and more!
Bo Nix practices fully
As expected, Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix was a full participant during today’s acclimation practice. According to reports, Nix looked sharp out there, didn’t show any signs that he was still dealing with his ankle injury, and took part in team drills for the first time since he suffered a broken ankle vs. the Bills in the Divisional Round.
Again, this was expected, but seeing Nix out there practicing fully should put any remaining concerns about his health and ankle to rest moving forward.
Sean Payton on Bo Nix: "I'm pleased with the shape he's in… The timeline, injury wise, is falling into place." 🙌 pic.twitter.com/IdR6SJXuba
— DNVR Broncos (@DNVR_Broncos) July 29, 2026
Payton was asked about Nix and if he can take that “next step” in year three with the Broncos. He snapped back at the question a little bit by saying the next stuff is “cliche” and noted that he’s coming off a 14-game win season and a good season overall. He did add he thinks that he will continue to improve and that there are areas on the team that can improve to help him be better as well.
“The next step is kind of cliché. He just finished winning 14 games and having a really good season. Do I think he’s going to continue to improve? Yes. I’m pleased with the shape he’s in. The timeline relative to everything we’ve discussed injury-wise is falling into place. It’s good to have him back out there in the team periods. I think there are certain areas for us offensively that can help with the quarterback, a consistent run game throughout the year. There are some things that we can do to help him, so we’re off and getting started.”
The expectations are pretty high for Bo Nix in year three, and if he plays like he did late season for the Broncos, we are going to be in very good shape this season. Nix is healthy, has Jaylen Waddle, and an improving team around him, and the sky is the limit for the Broncos franchise quarterback.
Jonathon Cooper is present and practiced fully
Probably the biggest storyline for the Broncos heading into training camp was about edge rusher Jonathon Cooper, his ongoing legal case, and his future with the team. It was reported yesterday that Cooper did indeed report to camp with the rest of the Broncos veterans, and today he was a full participant during today’s opening practice .
Despite that, Cooper’s future is clouded by a potential court case down the road and has an arraignment hearing scheduled for August 31st. That falls in between the end of the preseason for the Broncos and the start of the regular season, so things remain up in the air for the Broncos team leader and starting edge rusher.
Sean Payton gives an update on Jonathon Cooper: Says Cooper’s been “fantastic” working away from the building and they are monitoring the situation closely pic.twitter.com/IeJuFh8uWs
— DNVR Broncos (@DNVR_Broncos) July 29, 2026
Payton was asked about the Cooper situation, and he told reporters that they are staying the course with the league, as he said prior, and doing what they have been advised to do. However, he stated that Cooper has been fantastic working away from the building.
“We’re staying the course with the league. We’re staying the course with league protocol, club protocol relative to what we’re advised to do. He’s been fantastic working away from the building, and we’ll continue to do that and monitor it. We’re supportive, and yet very much aware of the seriousness of these types of things. Pretty much what I said in the spring, there’s a schedule and a course to this, and that’s what we have to follow.”
As we know, Cooper completed a counseling and wellness program last month, which he likely needed to do before returning to the team. Payton commented on that and said that “we’re proud of the work he did last month” and that he is fully supportive of him right now.
“We’re proud of the work he did these last, call it month and a half. It wasn’t easy, and it’ll continue to be a challenge. We’ll see where it goes. [I am] fully supportive of him right now as we gather all the information and then we go from there.”
These comments by Payton are much more positive than the ones right after his second arrest. His future with the team seemed in doubt, but with him completing the counseling and now returning to the practice field and participating fully, it certainly seems like he will be part of the team’s future.
Cooper is still going through the legal process, but when Payton was asked if he read about Cooper’s charges, Payton said he had, but did not want to comment until the process is completed. He added he believes the situation should be finalized “sooner rather than later”. So, it’s possible some sort of settlement could be in the...
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