3 injury situations already impacting Broncos' starting lineup at camp

Although none of the injuries are considered serious at this point, the Denver Broncos are already dealing with a handful of notable players having to miss time at training camp.

With the pads on, the physicality of practice is understandably more intense, and injuries are simply an unfortunate reality of the game.

Head coach Sean Payton has already stated that all of these players will be "fine", but we're going to take a look at the three most notable injury situations already popping up in the first week (or so) of training camp that have had fans a little uneasy, if only for the moment, and have forced other players to step into more action.

3 injury scares that have already impacted the Broncos' starting lineup at training camp

1. Jaylen Waddle, wide receiver

Injury: Muscle tightness

Jaylen Waddle left Broncos practice on Wednesday, was followed into the building by head trainer Vince Garcia, and he never came back out. Every Broncos fan was on pins and needles after hearing that Waddle was leaving the field, because this player is the offseason acquisition for the team.

The Broncos were extremely aggressive in acquiring Waddle via trade, starting talks with the Dolphins last season and sealing the deal this offseason by sending them 1st- and 3rd-round picks for the star receiver. Other than that, the Broncos only signed one free agent all offseason (safety Tycen Anderson). They didn't make a pick in the draft until the 3rd round (Tyler Onyedim).

Waddle is the single most important pickup arguably for any team in the NFL, so the Broncos need him to be out there when it matters.

In Waddle's absence, young receivers Troy Franklin and Pat Bryant were given the chance to step up and make some plays. Marvin Mims Jr. has also had a really strong camp so far for the Broncos. The team is certainly thankful to have depth at receiver right now, but Waddle's presence is going to be essential.

2. Nik Bonitto, outside linebacker

Injury: Left leg (unknown)

After leaving practice with an apparent left leg injury on Tuesday, Nik Bonitto was back on the field in his jersey observing at Wednesday's practice.

Bonitto was being helped off the field before walking into the facility under his own power, and was seen moving around without any noticable limp as an observer the very next day. Once again, Sean Payton said that Bonitto would be "fine", and the fact that he was back on the field in his jersey observing the very next day is a really good sign.

The Broncos' edge rusher group is absurd, in the best possible way. Bonitto's absence paved the way for Jonah Elliss to get more 1st-team reps, but it should also be noted that another of the team's top backups -- Dondrea Tillman -- has been dealing with a hamstring issue in the early goings of camp.

With both Bonitto and Tillman on the mend, it's given second-year player Que Robinson a chance to shine, as well as former 3rd-round pick Drew Sanders (who is practicing in full) and last year's top UDFA signing Johnny Walker Jr. All of those guys have been making plays at camp, according to sources on site.

3. Luke Wattenberg, center

Injury: Unknown

Wattenberg is another player Sean Payton said he expected to be "fine" after going down with an injury on August 3, and there hasn't been any clarity on what type of injury he was dealing with other than initial speculation that it was an "arm" injury.

It's rare for Payton to give any real information or updates on injuries during camp, so anything regarding Wattenberg at this point is speculation.

In his absence, the Broncos have gotten more reps for backup Alex Forsyth, who has been called upon each of the last two seasons to start some games for the team. Forsyth is quietly entering a contract year and is one of the most important backups on the team.

The Broncos love Forsyth's intelligence and preparedness, and he allows the offense to keep things humming whenever Wattenberg does miss time.

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