Matt Henningsen Leaves Practice with the Denver Broncos

In the grind of an NFL season, practice injuries can quickly shift a team’s trajectory—especially when they involve key rotational players. For the Denver Broncos, Matt Henningsen Leaves Practice with the Denver Broncos became a top concern during a critical Week 12 practice, as the third-year defensive tackle exited early with a lower-body injury. Henningsen, a reliable contributor to the Broncos’ defensive line rotation, had been playing 30-35 snaps per game this season, providing depth behind starters Mike Purcell and D.J. Jones. His departure not only raised immediate questions about his availability for the upcoming game against the Cleveland Browns but also highlighted the Broncos’ thin depth at defensive tackle—a position already stretched thin by earlier injuries. For a defense that ranks 11th in the NFL in run stop percentage, losing Henningsen even temporarily threatens to weaken a unit that has been a bright spot in an up-and-down season.

Matt Henningsen Leaves Practice with the Denver Broncos unfolded during a routine 11-on-11 drill midway through Wednesday’s practice. Witnesses reported that Henningsen was engaged in a block against offensive guard Quinn Meinerz when he suddenly grabbed his right knee and collapsed to the turf. The practice was paused for several minutes as Broncos trainers attended to him; he eventually walked off the field under his own power but was escorted to the team’s medical tent and did not return to drills. Head coach Sean Payton addressed the incident briefly after practice, stating, “Matt felt some discomfort in his knee, so we pulled him out as a precaution. We’ll run tests tomorrow to get a clearer picture.” Initial observations from reporters suggested the injury was not catastrophic—Henningsen avoided being carted off—but the uncertainty still loomed. Teammates echoed the concern: defensive end Zach Allen told reporters, “Matt’s a guy we count on. He’s always in the right place, makes plays in the run game. We’re all hoping it’s nothing serious.”

A key layer of Matt Henningsen Leaves Practice with the Denver Broncos is the initial medical evaluation and the timeline for his potential return. The Broncos’ medical staff scheduled an MRI for Henningsen on Thursday, which revealed a mild medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain—an injury that typically requires 2-3 weeks of rest and rehabilitation. While this ruled him out for the Browns game, it avoided a longer-term absence that would have sidelined him for the remainder of the regular season. The team listed Henningsen as “week-to-week,” with trainers focusing on reducing inflammation through cryotherapy and low-impact exercises to maintain muscle strength. Broncos head athletic trainer Steve Antonopulos explained, “A mild MCL sprain is manageable with proper care. Our goal is to get Matt back on the field when he’s pain-free and has full range of motion—no rush, no shortcuts.” For Henningsen, who has never missed a game due to injury in his NFL career, the diagnosis brought a mix of relief and frustration: “I hate missing time, especially with the stretch run here. But I trust the trainers to get me back right.”

Matt Henningsen Leaves Practice with the Denver Broncos also forces the team to adjust its defensive line rotation for the Browns game, testing the depth that has already been depleted this season. With Henningsen sidelined, the Broncos will likely turn to rookie defensive tackle Elijah Garcia and veteran Jonathan Harris to fill the void. Garcia, a seventh-round draft pick, has played just 68 defensive snaps this season, mostly in garbage time, while Harris—signed off the practice squad in October—has limited experience in the Broncos’ scheme. The shift means starters Purcell and Jones will likely see increased snaps, raising concerns about fatigue against a Browns run game that features star running back Nick Chubb. Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph acknowledged the challenge: “We’re thin up front, but we have faith in Elijah and Jonathan. They’ve been working hard in practice, and this is their chance to step up.” For the Denver Broncos, the adjustment isn’t just about replacing snaps—it’s about maintaining the run-stopping efficiency that has kept opposing offenses in check. The Browns rank 8th in the NFL in rushing yards per game (121.5), making Henningsen’s absence feel even more significant.

Another critical aspect of Matt Henningsen Leaves Practice with the Denver Broncos is the impact on the team’s playoff hopes, as every game becomes a must-win with just five weeks left in the regular season. The Broncos entered Week 12 with a 6-5 record, clinging to the 7th and final AFC wild-card spot. A loss to the Browns could drop them out of the playoff picture, especially with upcoming games against the Buffalo Bills and Los Angeles Chargers. Henningsen’s run-stopping ability was seen as a key asset against Chubb, who has rushed for over 100 yards in three of his last four games. Without Henningsen, the Broncos may need to shift to more nickel packages, using extra linebackers to shore up the run defense—a change that could leave them vulnerable to the Browns’ passing attack, which has improved with quarterback Deshaun Watson’s return to form. “Every piece matters this time of year,” Payton said. “Losing Matt is a hit, but we have to find a way to win. That’s what playoff teams do.” For the Denver Broncos, the next two weeks will be telling: if Garcia and Harris can hold their own against the Browns and then the Chargers, the team’s playoff chances remain intact; if not, Henningsen’s injury could become a turning point in a season that once held so much promise.

Looking ahead, Matt Henningsen Leaves Practice with the Denver Broncos underscores the importance of roster depth and proactive injury management—lessons the team will carry into the offseason. The Broncos’ front office has already begun evaluating potential practice squad additions at defensive tackle, including former NFL players like Shelby Harris (a familiar face in Denver) and Maurice Hurst, to provide additional depth if Henningsen’s recovery takes longer than expected. For Henningsen himself, the injury is a reminder of the NFL’s physical toll, but he’s staying focused on the comeback: “I’m going to attack rehab every day. This team has a shot at something special, and I want to be part of it.” As the Broncos prepare for the Browns, the focus is on resilience—both for Henningsen and the team. “Injuries are part of the game,” Allen said. “We don’t make excuses; we adapt. That’s what the Denver Broncos are about.” If the Broncos can overcome this latest setback, it will only strengthen their case as a legitimate playoff contender—proving that depth, preparation, and grit can overcome even unexpected obstacles.