When the Broncos start training camp in late July, they’re expecting to have veteran linebacker Dre Greenlaw in the fold.
Greenlaw, the March free-agent signing, sustained a quadriceps injury while working out earlier in the offseason. Payton confirmed reporting by The Denver Post that the former San Francisco 49ers standout avoided a significant tear, which could have required surgery and put the regular season in jeopardy.
“He’s on schedule,” Payton said Saturday afternoon following the Broncos’ second rookie minicamp practice. “He’s doing great and will be a full participant in training camp. All of that is doing great.”
An early report from San Francisco about the nature of the injury suggested that Greenlaw could miss a substantial portion of the regular season depending on the severity of the injury.
In the end, Greenlaw didn’t need surgery.
“I saw the early reports and, you don’t know how tempted I get sometimes (to respond),” Payton said, a wry smile creasing his face. “I held back. Showed great restraint.”
Payton will be happy if he can turn Greenlaw and fellow veteran Alex Singleton, who tore his ACL in late September, loose in the middle of a Broncos defense that needed reinforcement between the numbers.
Greenlaw’s had major injuries in the past, including a torn Achilles tendon during the Super Bowl in February 2024 that, combined with a calf strain, cost him all but two games of the 2024 regular season.
Home sweet home. The Los Angeles Rams are moving their mandatory minicamp in June to Maui, Hawaii.
Don’t expect Payton and the Broncos to consider anything similar anytime soon.
When asked about the Rams’ tropical decision, Payton pointed to the massive team headquarters construction project adjacent to the practice fields.
“If you want to ask (owner and CEO Greg Penner) that question, you can,” Payton said. “We have it here. I like our setup and our routine. I like the fields, the facilities, the meeting space. And in one year, give or take, we’ll be moving over there.
“So I don’t want to move to a $175 million facility and then ask to go to Maui to practice.”
By the Book. The Broncos had four veteran players in for tryouts: Quarterback Ian Book — a former Payton draft pick in New Orleans and late replacement for Desmond Ridder — fullback Jack Colletto, running back Chris Evans and tight end Cole Fotheringham.
Book started one game for Payton in New Orleans, a December 2021 game during his rookie year when the Saints were down 20-plus players due to Covid-19.
“It was tough. I can’t even tell you who was blocking for him,” Payton said Saturday. “But it’s good to have him back. Obviously, Desmond had decided — I think he’s possibly thinking about what he wants to do with his career.
“It always helps to have a veteran in these types of camps because they get you in and out of the huddle quicker.”
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