Broncos get bad news on the injury to linebacker Drew Sanders

Denver Broncos linebacker Drew Sanders was carted off the field at training camp on Saturday.

Unfortunately, the news isn’t great when it comes to his status.

Head coach Sean Payton said it’s not an Achilles injury for Sanders, but he’s still going to miss significant time based on multiple reports that dropped on Sunday afternoon.

#Broncos LB Drew Sanders, an up-and-coming defender, suffered a tendon injury in his foot in practice that will keep him out an extended period of time, sources say post-MRI.

Sanders is not expected back before the season begins and further testing will determine what’s next. pic.twitter.com/oEobvTmdmk

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 27, 2025

Source confirms that an MRI revealed tendon damage to Drew Sanders’ right foot. #Broncos and Sanders will determine whether surgery is necessary in the coming days, which will dictate exact recovery time.

But he’s going to be out for a while. @RapSheet had injury details first.

— Parker Gabriel (@ParkerJGabriel) July 27, 2025

This a tough break for Sanders and the Broncos defense, as many wondered if he’d have a larger role this season. It’s good news he’s not being ruled out for the year, but clearly more testing is coming to determine when a return is possible.

Sanders, a third-round pick in 2023, has only appeared in 21 career regular season games. He has 32 tackles, one sack and one fumble recovery. He tore his Achilles in preseason workouts last year before returning late, including appearing in the Broncos’ playoff game against the Buffalo Bills.

Injuries happen this time of year, but for Sanders, it’s another brutal development. Hopefully, more tests will give clarity on where he stands, but for now, don’t expect to see him back on the field with the Broncos anytime soon.

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