Broncos could get key defensive lineman back as soon as Sunday

The Denver Broncos took the practice field in London on Wednesday and a familiar face was back out there.

Defensive lineman Malcolm Roach, who missed Denver’s first five games, has been designated to return from short-term injured reserve.

This begins a 21-day window for Roach, who hurt his calf right before the season was set to begin. He could play as soon as Sunday against the New York Jets.

We've designated DT Malcolm Roach for return from IR.

📰 » https://t.co/HRbODYDZfT pic.twitter.com/I9gyeT01lG

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) October 8, 2025

Broncos head coach Sean Payton told reporters after practice that Roach did “good work” in his first practice in more than a month. Hopefully, Denver activates him to the 53-man roster over the next 21 days, if not he’ll be out for the year.

Roach was officially listed at “limited” on the team’s practice report, with edge-rusher Jonah Elliss and left guard Ben Powers being the only guys who didn’t participate. Powers is expected to be out until December after undergoing biceps surgery.

Last season was Roach’s first with the Broncos after spending the first four of his career with the New Orleans Saints. He was productive, posting 43 tackles (five for loss), 2.5 sacks and eight QB hits.

The Denver defense has looked dominant thus far, and adding a guy like Roach should only help.

It’ll be worth monitoring when / if he’s ready to go, whether that be this weekend against the Jets or in the following weeks versus the Giants or Cowboys.

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