The Denver Broncos activated tight end Greg Dulcich’s 21-day window to return from injured reserve last week after he recovered from a hamstring injury. The 23-year-old tight end then suffered a foot injury at practice and the team ruled him out for last week’s game against the Detroit Lions.
Broncos coach Sean Payton was asked earlier this week if Dulcich’s injury setback means he won’t be able to return to the field this season.
“No, no, it didn’t,” Payton said during his Monday conference call with reporters. “In fairness to the question — I usually don’t like talking about injuries, but I just want to make sure [you know] — this was unrelated to his hamstring. He just had some swelling and soreness in his foot. We took him off weight-bearing for a day or two.
“I’m anxious to see how he does this week. I expect him to play at some point in these final three weeks, but I don’t want you to think it was something that was going to preclude him from doing that. We’ll see where he’s at this week.”
Denver is set to return to practice later today and Dulcich’s status will be worth monitoring. The Broncos have until Jan. 3 to activate him to the 53-man roster. If the tight end is not activated before that deadline, Dulcich will be ruled out for the year, including the team’s regular-season finale and any potential playoff games.
The clock is ticking. Dulcich returning to practice Wednesday would be a good sign for his chances of playing again this season.
