Injury Precautions Taken by the Denver Broncos

In the high-contact, high-stakes world of the NFL, preventing injuries isn’t just a priority—it’s a necessity for sustained success. For the Denver Broncos, this reality has driven the development of a comprehensive, multi-layered approach to injury prevention, one that blends cutting-edge science, personalized care, and proactive planning. From the moment players report to training camp to the final snap of the regular season, the Broncos leave no stone unturned in protecting their roster: leveraging data analytics to identify risk factors, refining training routines to reduce strain, and investing in top-tier medical staff to catch potential issues before they escalate. Injury Precautions Taken by the Denver Broncos explores how this holistic strategy has helped the Broncos maintain one of the league’s lowest injury rates in 2025, keeping key players on the field and their playoff aspirations on track.

At the core of the Broncos’ injury prevention efforts is their use of advanced data analytics and biomechanical testing. Each offseason, players undergo a series of assessments—including movement screenings, strength tests, and GPS tracking—to create a “baseline profile” of their physical capabilities. This data is then used to flag potential red flags: a lineman with uneven hip strength might be at risk for knee injuries, while a wide receiver with limited ankle mobility could face hamstring strains. The Broncos’ sports science team reviews this data weekly, adjusting training loads and drills to address individual weaknesses. For example, after GPS data showed quarterback Bo Nix was putting excessive stress on his right shoulder during deep throws, the team modified his throwing mechanics in practice and added targeted shoulder-strengthening exercises to his routine. “Data doesn’t lie—it helps us be proactive instead of reactive,” said Broncos head athletic trainer James Collins. This personalized approach has paid off: the Broncos have seen a 30% reduction in muscle strains and a 25% drop in joint injuries compared to 2024. Injury Precautions Taken by the Denver Broncos emphasizes that this data-driven strategy has been the foundation of the team’s ability to keep players healthy, turning guesswork into targeted action.

The Broncos also prioritize injury prevention in their daily training routines, balancing intensity with recovery to avoid overtraining. Gone are the days of “no-pain, no-gain” practices; instead, the team uses a “load management” system that alternates high-intensity days (full-contact scrimmages, speed drills) with low-impact days (yoga, swimming, light weightlifting). This approach reduces cumulative stress on players’ bodies, particularly for high-mileage positions like running backs and cornerbacks. For example, running back Javonte Williams—who missed six games with a knee injury in 2024—now follows a tailored schedule: he participates in full contact on Wednesdays and Thursdays, but switches to non-contact drills and recovery work on Mondays and Fridays. “The key is to push hard when it matters, but give the body time to adapt,” said Broncos strength and conditioning coach Mike Clark. The team also incorporates “prehabilitation” drills into every practice: dynamic stretches to warm up muscles, balance exercises to improve stability, and mobility work to keep joints flexible. These drills aren’t just afterthoughts—they’re mandatory for all players, even veterans. “I used to skip some of these drills early in my career, but now I see how they keep me on the field,” said defensive end Nik Bonitto. Injury Precautions Taken by the Denver Broncos highlights that this balanced training philosophy has been critical to reducing overuse injuries, a common plague in the NFL.

Game-day injury precautions are another critical component of the Denver Broncos’ strategy, focusing on real-time monitoring and quick intervention. On game days, each player wears a small, wireless sensor in their shoulder pads that tracks metrics like impact force, heart rate, and movement patterns. This data is sent to the Broncos’ medical staff in real time, allowing them to spot signs of distress: a sudden spike in impact force on a lineman’s leg might indicate a possible ankle sprain, while an abnormal heart rate could signal fatigue. The team also has two “spotters” on the sideline—former NFL players trained in injury recognition—who watch for subtle changes in players’ movement, like a receiver favoring one leg after a catch. If a player shows any signs of injury, they’re pulled from the game immediately for a evaluation, even if they insist they’re fine. “Our first priority is the player’s long-term health, not winning a single play,” Collins said. This vigilance paid off in Week 8 against the Chargers, when sensors detected an unusual amount of stress on left tackle Garett Bolles’ knee during a pass block. Bolles was pulled from the game, and an MRI later revealed a mild MCL sprain—an injury that likely would have worsened with more playing time. He missed just one game instead of four, thanks to the early intervention. Injury Precautions Taken by the Denver Broncos shows that the Denver Broncos’ game-day protocols have turned “reacting to injuries” into “preventing them from getting worse,” keeping key players in the lineup for more games.

Off the field, the Denver Broncos invest heavily in player recovery—a often-overlooked aspect of injury prevention. The team’s facility includes a state-of-the-art recovery center with cryotherapy chambers, compression boots, and infrared saunas, all available to players 24/7. Each player also has a personalized recovery plan: Bonitto uses cryotherapy after games to reduce muscle inflammation, while Nix relies on massage therapy to keep his shoulder loose. The Broncos even brought in a sleep specialist to help players optimize their rest, as poor sleep is linked to increased injury risk. “Recovery is just as important as training,” Clark said. “If the body doesn’t have time to repair itself, injuries are inevitable.” The team also emphasizes nutrition, with a full-time dietitian who creates meal plans tailored to each player’s needs: linemen get extra calories to maintain strength without adding fat, while skill position players focus on lean proteins and carbohydrates to boost energy and recovery. For example, wide receiver Jerry Jeudy—who struggled with hamstring injuries in 2024—now follows a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids (to reduce inflammation) and vitamin D (to support muscle health), and has stayed healthy all season. For the Denver Broncos, these off-field precautions are a key part of their overall strategy, ensuring players’ bodies are as resilient as possible when they step onto the field. Injury Precautions Taken by the Denver Broncos underscores that the Denver Broncos’ commitment to recovery has helped reduce the “wear and tear” that leads to midseason injuries, keeping the team fresh deep into the season.

Finally, the Broncos recognize that injury prevention isn’t just physical—it’s mental. The team has a sports psychologist who works with players to address anxiety, overconfidence, or fear of reinjury, all of which can lead to poor decision-making on the field (like hesitating on a tackle, which increases the risk of injury). For example, after linebacker Alex Singleton suffered a concussion in 2024, he struggled with anxiety about returning to contact. The sports psychologist helped him work through his fears, using visualization techniques to build confidence and develop a “mental checklist” for staying safe during plays. “If a player is mentally distracted, they’re more likely to make a mistake that leads to injury,” said Broncos head coach Sean Payton. The team also fosters a culture where players feel comfortable speaking up about pain or discomfort, without fear of being labeled “soft.” “We tell our guys: if something feels off, say something,” Collins said. “It’s better to miss a few reps in practice than to miss weeks of games with a serious injury.” This mental approach has created a team environment where injury prevention is a shared responsibility, not just the medical staff’s job. Injury Precautions Taken by the Denver Broncos concludes that the Denver Broncos’ holistic approach—combining data, training, recovery, and mental health—has set a new standard for injury prevention in the NFL. By prioritizing players’ health at every level, the Broncos have not only kept their roster intact but also built a sustainable model for success, proving that preventing injuries is the key to winning championships.