Injury Management Strategies by the Denver Broncos

In the high-intensity world of the NFL, where physicality and speed push players to their limits, effective injury management can be the difference between a playoff run and a disappointing season. For the Denver Broncos, whose 2024 campaign has been defined by a historic nine-game win streak and a chase for the AFC No. 1 seed, their injury management strategies have been a quiet but critical pillar of success. The Broncos have avoided the devastating long-term injuries that derail many teams, and when key players have gone down, they’ve used a mix of proactive prevention, personalized rehab, and strategic roster depth to minimize disruption. Injury Management Strategies by the Denver Broncos explores the multi-faceted approach that has kept the team healthy and competitive, even during the grueling stretch of the regular season.

At the core of the Broncos’ injury management strategy is a proactive prevention system designed to identify and address potential issues before they turn into injuries. This starts with a rigorous pre-season assessment, where every player undergoes comprehensive physicals, movement screenings, and biomechanical analyses to identify weak points—such as tight hamstrings, unstable knees, or inefficient running form. The team’s sports science department then creates individualized training plans: for example, edge rusher Bradley Chubb, who has a history of knee soreness, follows a modified weightlifting routine that strengthens his quadriceps and glutes without putting extra stress on his knees. During the regular season, the Broncos also prioritize recovery: players use cryotherapy chambers after practices, receive targeted massage therapy for tight muscles, and follow strict sleep schedules (monitored via wearable devices) to ensure their bodies heal. This prevention focus has paid off: the Broncos have had just 12 player-games lost to muscle strains this season, the fewest in the AFC. Injury Management Strategies by the Denver Broncos highlights that this “stop before it starts” approach isn’t just about avoiding pain—it’s about keeping key contributors on the field when the team needs them most.

When injuries do occur, the Broncos’ next key strategy is a personalized rehabilitation program that combines cutting-edge medical techniques with player-specific goals, ensuring a safe and efficient return to play. The team’s medical staff—led by head athletic trainer Steve Antonopulos—works closely with each injured player to create a rehab plan tailored to their position, injury type, and recovery speed. For example, when defensive tackle Mike Purcell suffered a Grade 2 ankle sprain in Week 10, his rehab included not just standard physical therapy (like range-of-motion exercises and strength training) but also position-specific drills: he practiced run-stopping stances on a balance board to rebuild ankle stability, and he worked with defensive line coach Marcus Dixon to maintain his pass-rush technique while seated or on one leg. The Broncos also use advanced technology, such as blood flow restriction therapy (to build muscle without overloading the injury) and virtual reality (to keep quarterbacks mentally sharp while sidelined). Purcell returned in just three weeks—faster than the typical four-to-six-week recovery time for his injury—and recorded a sack in his first game back. Injury Management Strategies by the Denver Broncos notes that this personalized approach ensures players don’t rush back prematurely, reducing the risk of re-injury while getting them on the field as soon as possible.

For the Denver Broncos, strategic roster depth is another critical component of their injury management, as it lets them plug in capable replacements when key players are sidelined—no matter the position. General manager George Paton has built the roster with “position flexibility” in mind: for example, linebacker Alex Singleton can play both middle and outside linebacker, while wide receiver Tim Patrick can line up in the slot or as a deep threat. This depth was tested in Week 12, when starting cornerback Patrick Surtain II missed a game with a concussion. The Broncos didn’t panic—they moved backup cornerback Michael Davis into the starting role (Davis had already played 150 snaps this season) and called up rookie Riley Moss from the practice squad to handle nickel coverage. Davis recorded an interception in the game, and the Broncos’ defense held the Buffalo Bills to just 23 points. The team also prioritizes signing “proven veterans” to the practice squad, such as former running back Melvin Gordon, who can step in if Javonte Williams or Samaje Perine is injured. For the Denver Broncos, this depth isn’t just about having extra bodies—it’s about having players who know the system, fit the team’s culture, and can contribute immediately. Injury Management Strategies by the Denver Broncos emphasizes that this roster construction has turned potential crises into non-events, keeping the team’s momentum intact even when stars are out.

The Denver Broncos also use data-driven monitoring during the recovery process to make objective decisions about when a player is ready to return to full action—avoiding the risk of rushing back or keeping a player sidelined too long. The team’s sports science department tracks a range of metrics: for example, a player recovering from a knee injury has their jump height, sprint speed, and change-of-direction time measured weekly, and these numbers are compared to their pre-injury baselines. If a player’s jump height is only 80% of their baseline, they don’t return to contact drills; once it hits 90% or higher, they start gradual integration. Quarterback Russell Wilson, who dealt with a shoulder issue in Week 8, had his throwing velocity and accuracy tracked via motion-capture technology during rehab. The data showed his velocity was back to 98% of his pre-injury level by Week 9, so the medical staff cleared him to start—he threw for 245 yards and two touchdowns in that game. This data-driven approach eliminates guesswork: it prevents coaches from pushing players too hard (to win a game) or being too cautious (wasting a healthy player’s talent). For the Denver Broncos, this balance is key—they want to win now, but they also want to protect their players for the playoffs. Injury Management Strategies by the Denver Broncos explores how this reliance on data has made the team’s return-to-play decisions both safe and effective.

Finally, the Denver Broncos recognize that injury management isn’t just physical—it’s mental. Their strategy includes psychological support to help players stay focused and confident while recovering, which is just as important as physical rehab. The team employs a full-time sports psychologist, Dr. Jessica Sanchez, who works with injured players to manage frustration, maintain motivation, and stay connected to the team. For example, when rookie edge rusher Thomas Incoom missed four weeks with a hamstring strain, Dr. Sanchez helped him reframe his recovery as a “growth opportunity”: Incoom attended all defensive meetings, took notes on opposing offenses, and even helped coach younger practice squad players—keeping his mind engaged with football while his body healed. The Broncos also encourage injured players to stay involved in team activities: they sit on the sidelines during games, high-five teammates after plays, and contribute to post-practice film sessions. This keeps them feeling like part of the team, reducing the isolation that often comes with injury. When Incoom returned, he said, “I never felt like I was away—my teammates and the staff kept me in the loop, and that made coming back so much easier.” For the Denver Broncos, this mental health component of injury management ensures that players return not just physically ready, but mentally sharp too. Injury Management Strategies by the Denver Broncos concludes that this holistic approach—combining prevention, personalized rehab, roster depth, data, and mental support—has been a key reason for the team’s success. As they head into the playoffs, a healthy and focused roster will be their greatest asset in the quest for a Super Bowl title.