Reports: Broncos OLB Nik Bonitto limps off at training camp

*** This story has been updated below ***

Denver Broncos star edge-rusher Nik Bonitto left training camp on Tuesday limping, according to multiple reports.

Bonitto was in the conversation for NFL Defensive Player of the year in 2025 and finished with 14 sacks. That was after 13.5 sacks in 2024, helping earn Bonitto a new contract worth more than $100 million.

But no one in Broncos Country is thinking about that right now. They’re worried about what this could mean for the 2026 season for Nik Bonitto.

Here were some of the media reports from team headquarters:

Broncos edge rusher Nik Bonitto leaving the field under his own power with team medical personnel. Was in a 9-on-7 run period

— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) August 4, 2026

Nik Bonitto limping off with two trainers. Uh oh. 9 on 7 run drill

— MikeKlis9NEWS (@mikeklis9news) August 4, 2026

#Broncos OLB Nik Bonitto is limping off practice field. Being helped by trainers, now limping on own accord slowly.

Went down during a drill and was being looked at by trainers. Now headed to locker room.

— Luca Evans (@bylucaevans) August 4, 2026

Broncos head coach Sean Payton is slated to talk after practice. We’ll see if he has any concrete updates on the health of Nik Bonitto.

In the meantime, fellow edge-rusher Jonathon Cooper is involved in a serious legal situation and the Broncos are hoping Jonah Elliss can make a leap this season.

Let’s hope it’s all a moot point, but the status of Nik Bonitto will be critical to monitor moving forward. Denver needs him on the field to have its best shot at capturing another Super Bowl.

(Update 12:11 p.m.) –

Payton said Bonitto will be “fine” but didn’t have any other updates. That’s at least encouraging.

Broncos coach Sean Payton said Nik Bonitto will “be fine” and “no updates.”

— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) August 4, 2026

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