One year ago, on August 7th of 2025, Denver Broncos defensive lineman Matt Henningsen suffered a season-ending Achilles injury. A brutal injury that can end the careers of some players. Henningsen rehabbed, was re-signed by the Broncos, and was able to get back on the practice field and be ready for training camp. Not only did he return to the field, but he has been a standout player for the Broncos’ second- and third-team defensive line and was making a case for a 53-man roster spot.
Unfortunately,
the universe just has it out for Henningsen because exactly one year from his previous Achilles injury, Matt Henningsen went down early in practice and had to be carted off the field. The injury did not look good, and a few moments ago, 9NEWS Denver’s Mike Klis confirmed those fears when he reported that Henningsen suffered an Achilles injury.
Henningsen was a 6th-round selection for the Denver Broncos back in the 2022 NFL Draft and became an instant contributor for them in the middle of their defense. He would appear in 34 games for the Broncos between 2022 and 2023 before spending the 2024 season on the team’s practice squad. He looked like a strong candidate for a practice squad spot last year before the Achilles injury and was once again making a case for a spot on the team this year, but unfortunately, the Achilles injury got him again.
It’s tough to ignore the coincidences here. The same injury, to the same player, exactly one year apart. Absolutely devastating for Henningsen. This will unfortunately put his NFL future in limbo moving forward as well. He re-signed with the team on a one-year deal this offseason, so we’ll see if the team will bring him back again or not.
This is also a hit to the Broncos’ defensive line depth. Henningsen was one of their top reserve/depth players, and now he is done for the year for a second straight season. I would look for the Broncos to bring in some depth, especially before their preseason opener next week, since veterans like DJ Jones, Zach Allen, and Malcolm Roach are not expected to play much, if at all.
The injury bug has bitten the Broncos early in training camp, but thankfully they have been mostly minor thus far. Henningsen’s injury changes that, and hopefully Marvin Mims and Nate Adkins, who both left practice as well, only suffered minor injuries.
Stay tuned to Mile High Report as we keep you updated on all things happening at Broncos Training Camp.
