Denver Broncos: Todd Davis’ return will be a huge boost

The Denver Broncos’ defense will get a huge boost from the return of linebacker Todd Davis, who has finally returned to practice.

Quietly, linebacker Todd Davis became one of the Denver Broncos’ best defensive players over the last two seasons under head coach Vance Joseph.

A captain in 2018, Davis stepped up with a career year, racking up 114 total tackles, six tackles for loss, five quarterback hits, seven pass breakups, and an interception for a touchdown.

Davis wasn’t perfect — that’s one reason why many felt like the Broncos came just inches away from taking Michigan linebacker Devin Bush in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. At the same time, Davis was good enough that the Broncos felt they had the luxury of passing on in favor of going after an offensive improvement, which ended up being tight end Noah Fant.

Still, even with Davis on the roster, fans were not satisfied with the team’s in-house solutions at the linebackers position, so when Davis was injured at the opening of training camp, it was cause for major concern.

Davis suffered a calf injury, which he’s now been dealing with since the middle of July.

For the first time since the injury, Davis is back on the practice field working towards actually playing in a game.

Davis’ impact is going to be felt immediately.

The Broncos worked this offseason with guys like AJ Johnson and Josh Watson taking reps with the first-team defense alongside Josey Jewell, and for the first game of the 2019 season, they put street free agent Corey Nelson — who is on his second stint with the team — in as a starting inside linebacker next to Jewell.

As much as we love Corey, that is not an ideal solution for anyone involved.

Davis may not have his game legs under him yet. He didn’t get any preseason reps and missed most of training camp. He might have some rust to knock off, but in terms of reading plays, reacting, and making plays against the run, Davis’ presence should provide a noticeable difference in Denver’s defense immediately.

With Davis returning to practice, 10 of the Broncos’ 11 projected starters on that side of the ball appear on track to play in their week two game against the Chicago Bears.