Broncos get Strnad back, but two free-agent pickups still sidelined

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Inside linebacker Justin Strnad’s absence from Denver Broncos practice lasted just one day, as he returned to action Thursday for a full-pad session in advance of the team’s first AFC West game of the season on Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Strnad landed on the injury report Wednesday with a foot issue and did not practice, although he was seen during the stretching period at the start of that day’s session.

But while Strnad returned, tight end Evan Engram and inside linebacker Dre Greenlaw did not take part in the practice.

Greenlaw, whose only practice action since participating on Labor Day came in last Friday’s work on a limited basis, worked out on a side field, as he has throughout the last two weeks. He’s been draling with quadriceps issues since suffering a quad strain in April.

Initially, Greenlaw was supposed to be ready for the regular season, but a July 31 quad injury suffered during a one-on-one drill sidetracked those plans.

BRONCOS DEALING WITH ENGRAM ABSENCE

Engram practiced and played last week after suffering a calf injury in Week 1. Now he has a back issue.

Last year, Engram missed eight games due to a hamstring injury and a torn labrum. Combined, the Broncos’ four primary free-agent pickups — Engram, Greenlaw, safety Talanoa Hufanga and running back J.K. Dobbins — played in 31 of a possible 68 regular-season games last season.

Hufanga landed on the Broncos’ injury report Wednesday due to a chest injury; he saw limited work. He practiced again Thursday.