{
  "id": 518895,
  "title": "Broncos HC Sean Payton Makes Change at Practice as Injuries Pile Up",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/11/broncos-hc-sean-payton-makes-change-at-practice-as-injuries-pile-up",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-11T00:55:49.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nfl/broncos-hc-sean-payton-makes-change-at-practice-as-injuries-pile-up-12306878"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Denver Broncos have been struggling with a series of injuries over the past few weeks, with star edge rusher Nik Bonitto and wide receivers Marvin Mims Jr. and Jaylen Waddle all sidelined. Running back J.K. Dobbins was forced to miss Monday's practice due to a soft tissue injury, but Payton has downplayed its severity. In response to the mounting injuries, Payton has made changes to the team's practice routine. He has instructed the strength and conditioning staff to add an extended cool-down period at the end of each session, a move he hopes to solidify in the days ahead. Payton insists the lack of injuries isn't due to heat, but rather emphasizes the importance of adhering to the pre-practice routine and proper hydration. Despite the setbacks, the Broncos boast a 14-3 record from last season, their best since 1998, and entered the season with high expectations. The team boasts a potent offense led by rookie wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, running back J.K. Dobbins, and tight end Justin Joly, as well as a strong defense. However, with Waddle and Dobbins both having a history of injuries, the team must remain vigilant in maintaining their health.",
  "summary": "The Broncos have dealt with a string of injuries in recent weeks, prompting Sean Payton to adjust practice.",
  "key_points": [
    "Denver Broncos facing injuries to Nik Bonitto, Marvin Mims Jr., and Jaylen Waddle.",
    "J.K. Dobbins missed Monday's practice due to soft tissue injury.",
    "Payton adds extended cool-down period to practice routine to prevent further injuries."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The extended cool-down period added to practice shows the Broncos are prioritizing injury prevention over pushing through sessions, a shift that may help protect key players with histories of injuries.",
  "illustration": "https://urgent.news/ill/518895.png",
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Sean Payton: Broncos have to get a handle on injuries, look at our pre-practice routine",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/11/sean-payton-broncos-have-to-get-a-handle-on-injuries-look-at-our-pre",
        "published": "2026-08-11T08:38:29.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}