The Denver Broncos (6-2) are set to go on the road to face the Carolina Panthers (3-4) in Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season on Sunday. Here are five quick storylines we'll be following going into that AFC vs. NFC showdown.
1. Pat Bryant’s return: After sitting out the team's last four games with an ankle injury, Bryant returned to practice this week and he appears to be on track for a return on Sunday. Bryant should be a strong candidate to be activated from injured reserve to the 53-man roster on Saturday. Once back in the lineup, Bryant figures to serve as WR3 behind Jaylen Waddle and Courtland Sutton in the second half of the season.
2. Broncos' injury replacements: Starting safety Talanoa Hufanga (ankle) has a chance to return this week, but Brandon
Jones (hamstring) is less likely to play. Additionally, rotational defenders Eyioma Uwazurike (shoulder) and Kris Abrams-Draine (ankle) are also ailing. Denver has a deep defensive line and cornerback room, but it's obviously not ideal to be missing one or both of your starting safeties. Taylor Rapp and Devon Key are the most likely next men up at safety, and JL Skinner can rotate in as well.
3. Jonah Coleman and Denver’s backfield rotation: Coach Sean Payton has insisted J.K. Dobbins remains "a huge part" of the offense and is doing "a great job," but the running back's production has slipped significantly. Coleman, on the other hand, is running with great vision. Dobbins is still listed as the starter on the "unofficial" depth chart, but Coleman is clearly the team's best option in the backfield. Both backs could be poised to have a strong day as the Panthers have allowed 140.7 rushing yards per game to opponents, which ranks third-worst in the league.
4. Denver’s pass rush vs. Bryce Young: Vance Joseph's defense has generated 144 pressures tracked by Pro Football Focus, which ranks No. 1 in the NFL. The Broncos' defense has totaled 74 combined sacks and quarterback hits this fall, which is also best in the league. The Panthers' offensive line, meanwhile, has allowed pressure on 28.5% of passing plays this fall, the worst rate in the NFL. Young has been sacked 23 times (tied for second-most in the league), so Sunday's game could be a big day for Denver's pass rush.
5. Big opportunity for Bo Nix and the offense: Nix has been making progress over the last two weeks, and he should have a good opportunity to take another step forward in Week 9. Carolina has allowed an average of 27.6 points per game to opponents, which is fifth-worst in the NFL. The Broncos have scored 28 or more points in consecutive games, and that streak could continue this weekend.
After facing the Panthers, the Broncos will return home for a bye in Week 10 before hosting the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 11. Denver's considered a road favorite going into Sunday's matchup in Charlotte.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Broncos vs. Panthers: 5 storylines to follow on Sunday
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