The Denver Broncos are preparing for the return of All-Pro outside linebacker Nik Bonitto after he underwent surgery to remove a bone spur from his foot. Head coach Sean Payton announced on Thursday that Bonitto is expected to start practicing next week and could participate in the team‘s preseason game against the New Orleans Saints on August 23. This update marks a significant development for the Broncos as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Details on Bonitto’s Recovery and Preparation Timeline
If Bonitto begins practicing before the final preseason game, he will have roughly three weeks to regain full form prior to the regular-season opener. According to Payton, the bone spur was located on the top of Bonitto’s foot in a non-weight-bearing area, allowing for a less invasive procedure and a relatively swift recovery.
He had a little spur on the top of his foot,
Payton said.
His is something that we just had done and we knew that he was going to miss this week. 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. He went ahead and had it done. I think three stitches.
—Sean Payton, Denver Broncos Head Coach
Bone spur removal recovery times vary greatly depending on the spur’s location, but in Bonitto’s case, the surgery is expected to be minimally disruptive. This outlook improves the chances that Bonitto can contribute meaningfully as soon as the regular season begins.
Bonitto’s Impact on the Broncos’ Defensive Success
The return of Bonitto is crucial for the Broncos, who saw a major defensive upgrade last season driven in part by his emergence. The team jumped from 27th in points allowed to third overall, establishing one of the league’s top defenses. Bonitto’s dynamic play was a key factor in this transformation.
In his third season with Denver and second under Payton, Bonitto surpassed previous career highs in major categories. He recorded 48 tackles, 13.5 sacks, 16 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, three pass breakups, an interception, and scored two defensive touchdowns. His sack total marked the first time a Broncos player has reached double-digit sacks since Von Miller and Bradley Chubb accomplished the feat in 2018.
Bonitto’s Growth and Recognition in Denver
Last season was a breakout for Bonitto, who solidified his role as an every-down starter and kept his upward trajectory on track. The former second-round pick from Oklahoma, who was twice named an All-American in college, displayed the level of performance that earned him his first Pro Bowl selection. His development remains a vital piece of the Broncos’ defense moving forward.
With Bonitto poised to return soon, Denver aims to maintain the momentum they built last year, hoping his presence on the field continues to boost the team’s defensive power and overall competitiveness heading into the new season.