The Denver Broncos have taken a drastic measure with 2025 free agency signing Dre Greenlaw. The news comes as the Broncos brace for the Los Angeles Chargers.
Greenlaw left the San Francisco 49ers for a three-year, $31.5 million deal with the Broncos this past spring. He was expected to help shore up a problematic area of the Broncos’ defense. It was exposed repeatedly throughout 2024 and has already shown cracks early in 2025.
However, one quad injury turned into another, landing Greenlaw on injured reserve.
Broncos Place Dre Greenlaw on Short-Term Injured Reserve
DNVR Sports’ Zac Stevens broke the news that Greenlaw will be placed on the IR. Stevens noted the timeline for his return would be week 7, when the Broncos face the New York Giants, since he was given a short-term designation.
“Breaking: The Broncos have placed LB Dre Greenlaw on short-term IR (quad) with the ability to return as soon as Week 7 vs the Giants, per sources,” Stevens posted on X on September 20. “The move will allow Greenlaw to fully recover and be ready to help the Broncos in the second half of the season.
“Smart of Broncos and Dre Greenlaw to take longer-term view of recovery rather than week-to-week to ensure he’s available down the stretch.”
CLIP
“Just a quad strain, so Greenlaw should be back at four games,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport posted on X on September 20.
Still, Greenlaw’s injury and the current decision loom large amid the Broncos’ decision.
Broncos Mum on Dre Greenlaw
Broncos head coach Sean Payton has declined to comment further on Greenlaw or any other player’s injuries. He cited no benefit and referred to the official injury report that is released after every practice.
The Broncos also ruled tight end Evan Engram out against the Chargers.
Greenlaw’s initial quad injury was first reported as a tear. However, the Broncos rejected that, revealing that it was, in fact, a strain. That was just the beginning of the issues, though.
Greenlaw returned to practice during the offseason program for a short time before suffering what Payton clarified is a separate quad issue. Payton also said that Greenlaw was on the schedule the Broncos wanted when asked about putting the linebacker on IR sooner.
The decision comes as a significant surprise.
It is also a blow to a Broncos team banking on its defense to help bolster a repeat of last season’s 10-win performance.
Instead, one of the Broncos’ biggest offseason decisions looms as an early disaster. At the very least, it is a significant setback. Moreover, it will stand until the Broncos can get Greenlaw back healthy and on the field.
Broncos Elevate Familiar Duo for Chargers Game
In Greenlaw’s place against the Chargers, the Broncos will once again have linebacker Garret Wallow. He received another call-up from the practice squad. He logged one assisted tackle in Week 2 against the Indianapolis Colts, logging his reps on special teams.
The Broncos are also tapping fullback Adam Prentice for more spot duty.
Those two decisions have left the door open for the Broncos to go in a different direction next week. Then, they will face the Cincinnati Bengals.