Following a devastating loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1, the Denver Broncos needed to rebound in a big way in Week 2 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The team was able to do that, and in a 20-13 victory, they leaned on an unlikely player for a big play.
Nate Adkins doesn't get talked about much when discussing this team, and that's because he's doing all of the things that easily go unnoticed, such as playing on special teams and blocking the majority of the time. That could be part of the reason many outlets strangely predicted he wouldn't be part of the 53-man roster this year, but that would have been a poor decision.
Adkins is a great football player, and when he gets his number called, he's there to make the play. Though he's rarely
used in the passing game, Adkins stepped up on Sunday, catching three passes for 32 yards and the game-tying touchdown.
All tied up. 🙌
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) September 20, 2026
📺: @NFLonCBS / @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/fJ13wxU8WZ
On that play, Adkins sold the block quite well before quickly getting out into his route and finding himself wide open for Bo Nix to hit him for the score.
Nate Adkins rewarded for his hard work; helps Broncos beat Jags
Adkins' teammates were more than happy to discuss his contributions.
“Awesome. I always say, ‘Feature tight ends, good things happen,’ and Nate made a lot of great plays today," fellow tight end Evan Engram said after the game. "As a room, we strive to make an impact on our game in any way possible — run game, pass game, help special teams any chance we get — and ‘Nate-Dogg’ took advantage today and he had a number of great plays.”
“It’s hard to score touchdowns in this league. I learned early on that you’re supposed to celebrate those moments," said guard Quinn Meinerz. "With Nate Adkins scoring a touchdown, he’s a grinder. He’s on all special teams. He does a lot of blocking for us. So to see him score a touchdown, it gets me excited. I just like when good things happen to good people, and he’s a good person. I wanted to make sure I celebrated with him before we had a [extra point].”
Adkins joined the Broncos as an undrafted free agent out of South Carolina in 2023 and was given little chance of making the team. But he's shown himself to be a pure football player, willing to do the work and put in the effort, even if it doesn't draw headlines. That fits what coach Sean Payton likes in his players.
Adkins will never light up the scoreboard for your fantasy football team, but he's become an integral piece of this Broncos squad.
Social: Follow Broncos Wire on Facebook and Twitter/X!
This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Broncos’ unsung hero helped beat the Jaguars on Sunday
