Broncos injuries: Linebacker designated to return from injured reserve

The Denver Broncos designated linebacker Drew Sanders (foot) to return from injured reserve on Saturday, starting his 21-day window to be activated to the 53-man roster. If Sanders is not activated by Jan. 30, he will revert to IR for the rest of the season (only the Super Bowl would remain at that point in the season).

Denver held light practices on Friday and Saturday, but they are not required to release an injury report because they have a bye for the first round of the NFL playoffs after securing the AFC’s No. 1 seed with a 14-3 record.

Broncos coach Sean Payton spoke to media members after Friday’s practice, and he said, “I think we see most everyone back” from injuries during the playoffs. Payton said linebacker Dre Greenlaw (hamstring) is “getting there,” but he had no comment on running back J.K. Dobbins (foot). Dobbins might be able to return if the team reaches the AFC Championship game.

The Broncos have four more designations open for players to return from IR, and tight end Lucas Krull (foot) is a candidate to use one of them next week.

Broncos IR return designations

1. DL Malcolm Roach (activated)
2. LB Dre Greenlaw (activated)
3. LB Garret Wallow (activated, but later cut)
4. OG Ben Powers (activated)
5. LB Karene Reid (activated)
6. LB Drew Sanders (not yet activated)
7. Open
8. Open
9. Open
10. Open

Broncos potential candidates to return

1. TE Lucas Krull (eligible)
2. C Luke Wattenberg (possible AFC title game return)
3. RB J.K. Dobbins (possible AFC title game return)

Denver will learn its opponent and date for the divisional round playoff game on Sunday or Monday. After the matchup is set, players will return to the team’s facility on either Monday or Tuesday, depending on whether the Broncos are scheduled to play on Saturday or Sunday next weekend.

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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Denver Broncos news: LB Drew Sanders designated to return from IR