Broncos Fear Torn Achilles for Matt Henningsen—Impact Analysis

By Jason Bolton August 10, 2025 19:02

The Denver Broncos are facing a significant setback as defensive lineman Matt Henningsen is being evaluated for a possible torn Achilles tendon after suffering an injury during a joint practice with the San Francisco 49ers. Initial indications suggest the injury could be season-ending, potentially sidelining the 26-year-old for the entire 2025 campaign.

Henningsen, who stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 291 pounds, was selected by the Broncos in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Wisconsin. Over his career, he has appeared in 34 games, compiling 40 tackles and one sack, and has been a valuable rotational player on Denver’s defensive line. Though currently viewed as a fringe roster player, his experience and versatility have made him a useful depth piece in a position group that the Broncos rely heavily on.

The injury occurred during the Broncos’ training camp joint practice, a particularly unfortunate moment as the team already grapples with several injuries across the roster. Defensive injuries to key players such as rookie outside linebacker Johnny Walker (already on injured reserve), as well as issues for Drew Sanders, Alex Singleton, and Dre Greenlaw, have already taxed the depth of Denver’s defense ahead of the regular season.

If Henningsen’s Achilles is indeed torn, the Broncos will lose a key backup in a defensive line unit led by starters such as Zach Allen and D.J. Jones. The roster’s depth beyond the starters is limited, relying on players like Malcolm Roach, Jordan Jackson, and the young Eyioma Uwazur. This would increase pressure on rookies like Saivion Jones and Jordan Miller to step up and contribute immediately as the team attempts to fill the void left by Henningsen’s potential absence. The injury also reduces flexibility for defensive line rotations that are vital over the grueling NFL season.

The typical recovery timeline for an Achilles rupture extends from 10 to 12 months, and the injury often signals a long road rehabilitation focused on regaining strength and mobility. While younger athletes have returned to form after such injuries, it is a demanding process, and it effectively ends a player’s season as they focus on recovery and physical therapy.

Broncos head coach Sean Payton and the defensive staff have yet to issue an official statement, but the team’s cautious approach hints at preparing for a tough rebuilding of this defensive role. The loss of Henningsen, a player known for his work ethic and steady presence, represents a noticeable decrease in depth and experience during a critical stage for team cohesion heading into the 2025 season.

In summary, the Broncos fear Matt Henningsen has suffered a torn Achilles, which would likely end his 2025 season before it begins. The injury drastically affects the depth of Denver’s defensive line rotation, forces reliance on younger and less experienced players, and challenges the overall defensive strategy. With several defensive injuries already challenging the team, this development adds to an increasingly complex preseason outlook.

Players and fans alike will watch closely as Henningsen undergoes further evaluation and MRI scans to confirm the diagnosis. Meanwhile, the Broncos must adapt quickly to maintain their defensive front’s effectiveness and continue their preparation for the regular season without one of their promising role players.

This injury case highlights the brutal reality of NFL football where depth and resilience often decide the fate of a team’s success amid the grit of a demanding season