Broncos Get Eyebrow-Raising Update About Evan Engram in Mixed Report

Denver Broncos fans can breathe a sigh of relief that two-time Pro Bowler and prized offseason free agent signing Evan Engram avoided the worst in Sunday’s win over the Tennessee Titans, which he left early, and the news has raised eyebrows.

Engram picked up a calf injury in the 20-12 victory, logging just 26 snaps, per Pro Football Reference.

The first injury report of the week offered hope that he could suit up in Week 2, though.

Evan Engram Participates in Broncos’ 1st Practice of Week 2

Broncos media noted Engram’s presence during the open viewing portion of Wednesday’s session. However, his level of participation remained unclear until it was over.

“Broncos just wrapped up today’s practice,” Mile High Sports’ Cody Roark reported on X on September 10. “Spotted: TE Evan Engram was out there for stretch and individual period, we’ll see if he was limited or full shortly.”

Engram was listed as a “limited” participant.

Engram had three receptions, one of which went for a first down, and 21 yards against the Titans in his Broncos debut.

A former first-round pick by the New York Giants in the 2017 draft, Engram signed a two-year, $23 million contract with the Broncos this past offseason. He had spent three years with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Engram was signed to be a safety valve for Bo Nix and a complement to Courtland Sutton.

However, has an extensive injury history, and the Broncos are expected to take a cautious approach with him.

“It took all of three quarters for serious injury concerns to surface around two of the Broncos’ most important veteran free-agent additions,” Evans wrote on September 7. “Denver will likely play it conservatively with the 31-year-old if the calf injury is serious, as the tight end comes with an injury history,” Evans wrote. “He played just nine games in 2024 after tearing his labrum.”

Engram logged back-to-back 17-game regular seasons in 2022 and 2023.

He has had two full slate campaigns (2020) under his belt, heading into the former as a member of the Jaguars. He had 114 receptions for 963 yards and 4 TDs the following season.

Notably, Engram has one other would-be full slate. It was in 2021 with the Giants. He missed the regular-season finale due to a rib injury. Still, Engram’s participation, however limited, is a good sign and good news for the Broncos.

Broncos Not So Fortunate With Dre Greenlaw

The Broncos’ injury report was not all good news despite Engram’s participation in practice. His fellow offseason pickup, former San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw (quad), did not participate and has not practiced “in over a week,” per DNVR’s Zac Stevens.

Greenlaw inked a three-year, $31.5 million pact in free agency. Broncos head coach Sean Payton said on Monday that he expected Greenlaw to return “sooner than later.”

Still, Greenlaw is off to an ominous start to begin the week and his Broncos tenure.

The Broncos ruled Greenlaw out for the season opener on Friday, September 5. So, they could take a similar approach before making their final decision on him in Week 2, when the Broncos will face the Indianapolis Colts.

Broncos Face New Injury Concerns on Defense

While Engram and the Broncos’ offense played an uneven game, the defense got off to a good start against the Titans in Week 1. However, just as with Greenlaw, the Broncos’ good injury news about their starters essentially stopped there as a new issue emerged.

Broncos defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers missed Wednesday’s practice with what the team is listing as a knee injury.

Franklin-Myers played the second-most snaps on defense on the Broncos behind Zach Allen.

Linebacker Alex Singleton was a full participant with a thumb injury. Singleton logged the fourth-most snaps on the Broncos’ defense. But the Broncos are also still without veteran tight end Nate Adkins, leaving them thin until he and Engram return.

Jim Harbaugh talks rivalry with Pete Carroll ahead of 'MNF' matchup

Fans of the Pete Carroll-Jim Harbaugh rivalry will be happy to know it hasn't subsided, despite a hiatus that has lasted for more than 10 years.

Harbaugh and the Los Angeles Chargers (1-0) will face Carroll and the Las Vegas Raiders (1-0) on "Monday Night Football" at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN. It's the first time the coaches have squared off since the 2014 season, when Harbaugh was with the San Francisco 49ers and Carroll was with the Seattle Seahawks.

Jim Harbaugh speaks on his relationship with Pete Carroll ahead of Week 2 

"I always thought if I had ever played for him or one of his teams — because he was coaching when I was playing — or was on his staff when I got into coaching, I bet we would've been really good friends," the former NFL quarterback told the media Wednesday. "Alas, we have been on opposite sides, so I'm not on his Christmas card list." 

It's not surprising they don't wish each other a merry Christmas. It's fair to wonder if they'll even talk before Monday's game. 

The rivalry started at the college level when Carroll was coaching at USC and Harbaugh was at Stanford. The Cardinal went 2-1 against the Trojans under Harbaugh. 

This included a 55-21 rout during the 2009 season, where Harbaugh tried to run up the score by attempting a two-point conversion at the end of the game. Afterward, the coaches met at midfield, and Carroll asked, "What is your deal?"

Carroll would get revenge in the NFC Championship Game during the 2013 season. The Seahawks beat the 49ers 23-17 after cornerback Richard Sherman deflected a pass intended for wide receiver Michael Crabtree, which was intercepted. 

Per Stats Perform, Carroll has a 5-4 record (including playoffs) against Harbaugh in the NFL. His teams have won the last three matchups. 

Don't be surprised if a super-passionate Harbaugh shows even more fire in the Chargers' road game on Monday. He'll want to even the score with Carroll.