ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Denver Broncos linebacker Nik Bonitto missed a joint practice against the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday as he recuperates from surgery to remove a bone spur from the top of his foot. The team expects Bonitto to be ready to return to action as early as next week, following the procedure that required three stitches.
Coach Sean Payton revealed that addressing the bone spur now was the best course of action, rather than delaying and managing the condition during the season.
Coach Sean Payton Compares Bonitto’s Situation to His Own Experience
Payton shared his personal understanding of the pain caused by bone spurs, having had two removed from his own big toe and still recovering. He emphasized that Bonitto’s injury is unique as the spur was located in a non-weight-bearing area on the top of the foot.
“It just made a lot of sense,”
—Sean Payton, Broncos Head Coach
“I had two spurs removed on my big toe, and that hurt like you know what,”
—Sean Payton, Broncos Head Coach
“He’ll be up and at it next week. He’s been fantastic. The days he’s missed has been this simple bone spur in a unique spot on the top of the foot. It’s not weight bearing.”
—Sean Payton, Broncos Head Coach
Bonitto’s Performance and Contract Outlook
Bonitto, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract, had an impressive previous season, earning second-team All-Pro honors after leading the Broncos with 13.5 sacks. With recent contract extensions completed for receiver Courtland Sutton and defensive lineman Zach Allen, Bonitto appears positioned to be the next key player in line for a new deal with the team.
Additional Team Updates During Intense Practice
The Broncos conducted practice with the Cardinals amid high temperatures nearing 100 degrees. Left tackle Garett Bolles left early due to asthma and breathing difficulties, but Coach Payton assured that Bolles would recover fully.
“We just pulled him out, He’ll be OK.”
—Sean Payton, Broncos Head Coach
Fullback Michael Burton was also dealing with a hamstring issue during the practice. This session marked the second consecutive week of joint drills with the Cardinals, influencing Payton’s plan to limit starter participation in the upcoming preseason game.
Starter Usage Planned for Final Preseason Game
For the preseason game on August 23 against the New Orleans Saints, Payton intends to play his starters for about 10 plays only. This conservative approach includes quarterback Bo Nix, who is scheduled to get minimal playing time as the coaching staff carefully manages player health ahead of the regular season.
Other Injury and Roster Notes
Tight end Nate Adkins recently underwent an ankle procedure and is expected to miss some time during the regular season. Payton described the surgery as a wise decision and noted there were no other major concerns found.
“There weren’t any other things that they noticed, It was a smart decision.”
—Sean Payton, Broncos Head Coach
This focus on managing injuries like Bonitto’s bone spur recovery and others’ health challenges is essential for the Broncos‘ preparations as they aim for a strong showing in the upcoming NFL season.