Broncos LB Dre Greenlaw Draws Attention After ‘Huge’ Announcement

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Dre Greenlaw #57 of the San Francisco 49ers looks on against the Los Angeles Rams.
The Denver Broncos had a significant development to begin Week 7, with a home date against the New York Giants on the docket, as veteran linebacker Dre Greenlaw took the practice field for the first time since going on injured reserve.
Moreover, the Broncos have opened the 21-day practice window on the former San Francisco 49ers star.
As if that was not enough, Greenlaw teased that he is nearing a return.
Dre Greenlaw Draws Attention After Broncos Announce Decision
GettyDre Greenlaw #57 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after a stop against the Detroit Lions in the NFC Championship Game.
The Broncos signed Greenlaw to a three-year, $31.5 million contract in free agency from the San Francisco 49ers. He was one of their three prized free agent signings, but he has not taken the field this season. He shared a highlight reel of big hits on Instagram that piqued interest.
Greenlaw did not appear in the clip from years past, originally captioned “felony hits.”
“May mean nothing at all, but Dre Greenlaw just posted this on his IG story,” The Denver Post’s Luca Evans posted on X on October 15.
The Broncos have missed Greenlaw’s coverage skills and playmaking ability at the second level of their defense. Greenlaw, 28, logged back-to-back seasons with 120-plus tackles in 2022 and 2023 before tearing his Achilles in the Super Bowl.
He returned during the 2024 season, but was sidelined once again by a foot injury.
Greenlaw’s extensive injury history is, in part, why the Broncos were able to sign him to the deal that they did.
Sean Payton Stays Tight-Lipped as Broncos Make Announcement
GettyDenver Broncos head coach Sean Payton looks on after defeating the Cincinnati Bengals.
A torn quad in the spring turned into another in Broncos training camp, landing Greenlaw on IR before facing the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 3. There have been very few updates since the Broncos made that decision.
Broncos head coach Sean Payton said Greenlaw returned to practice as the Broncos announced opening his practice window and designating him to return.
The Broncos officially listed Greenlaw as “limited” on the day.
“The Broncos are a step closer to getting a playmaker back on defense,” DenverBroncos.com’s Aric DiLalla wrote on October 15. “Denver can activate Greenlaw to the 53-man roster at any point within the next 21 days. He is eligible to play as early as Sunday’s matchup with New York. If Greenlaw isn’t activated during the 21-day window, he would revert to IR for the remainder of the season.”
A welcome sight for the Broncos as they returned to practice: Dre Greenlaw going through individual drills. The Broncos opened the ramp-up period for his return from injured reserve on Wednesday. They have up to 21 days to activate him on the 53-player roster. pic.twitter.com/0Jy7jlUBDv
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) October 15, 2025
DNVR Sports’ Zac Stevens called it a “huge step for Greenlaw.”
“Yeah, he practiced today,” Payton told reporters on October 15, noting “it was good,” before being pressed about what the veteran brings to the table.
“These are the hypotheticals, right? I love him. You know, no, I can’t say anything about injury. He practiced today. He practiced today, he’s been working out, he’s been rehabbing, and today was a good day.”
Pat Surtain II Gives Dre Greenlaw Strong Endorsement
GettyDre Greenlaw #57 of the San Francisco 49ers speaks to the media ahead of Super Bowl LVIII.
Greenlaw’s return got his Broncos teammates’ attention, too, with reigning cornerback and the reigning Defensive Player of the Year Pat Surtain II noting he “looked good out there.”
Surtain also noted Greenlaw’s extended layoff.
“Obviously, his first day back out there on the field in a minute, you know what I mean?” Surtain told reporters on October 15. “It seems like he’s very sharp on everything, on the game plan. So, very excited for him.”
Broncos outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper, the reigning AFC Defensive Player of the Week, is also looking forward to Greenlaw’s in-game debut.
“I think it’s awesome,” Cooper said during his media availability on Wednesday. “Obviously, we know the type of player Dre Greenlaw is. If you watch his film, and you add that type of dynamic to this defense, with him being right, it’s just gonna take us to … another level. And, I’m excited for him to return, excited for him to get the runs. And yeah. He’s been a great teammate since he’s been here. I’m just excited to see him play.”
Greenlaw could rejoin a Broncos defense ranked second in scoring and overall in Week 7.
Jalen Ramsey Fires Back at Doubters: 'I Don’t Listen to That—I'm Here to Fight for Every Moment'

In a stunning display of resilience and determination, Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey has proven that when it comes to overcoming adversity, he’s not one to back down. After being sidelined with a hamstring injury that many believed would keep him out for several weeks, Ramsey made a triumphant return to the field, defying expectations and silencing critics in the process.
"People said I’d be out for weeks. But I don’t listen to that. When you love the game as much as I do, you fight for every moment on that field. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it," Ramsey declared after his return. His words reflect not only his passion for the game but his unwavering drive to push through challenges, no matter the obstacles.
Ramsey’s recovery was nothing short of remarkable. Initially expected to miss an extended period due to the severity of his hamstring injury, the cornerback refused to let the setback define his season. Instead of accepting the timeline that others placed on him, he focused on his rehabilitation and worked tirelessly to get back on the field as quickly as possible. The Steelers’ Week 5 bye gave Ramsey the extra time he needed to speed up his recovery, and by Week 6, he was back in action, much earlier than anyone anticipated.
His return was met with widespread praise, not just for his physical recovery, but for the mental toughness he displayed throughout the process. Ramsey’s commitment to his team and his willingness to fight through pain and doubt are a testament to the kind of leader he is. His return couldn’t have come at a better time for the Steelers, who were in need of a boost on defense. Ramsey’s leadership in the secondary and his ability to lock down top receivers is exactly what the Steelers need to continue their strong push through the season.
Ramsey’s refusal to listen to the doubters and his relentless work ethic show exactly why he’s one of the best in the game. His love for football is undeniable, and his drive to succeed is even stronger. As he continues to recover and play at an elite level, Ramsey is reminding everyone that when you’re driven by passion and determination, there’s no obstacle too big to overcome.
With Ramsey back on the field and his presence felt in the Steelers' defense, Pittsburgh fans can rest assured that their team is in good hands. Ramsey’s relentless spirit is exactly what the Steelers need to continue their pursuit of greatness in the AFC North.