ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — A starter on the Broncos' offensive line has taken a step toward a return.

The Broncos designated guard Ben Powers for return from injured reserve, the team announced Wednesday.

Powers participated in practice on Wednesday and is eligible to be activated to the Broncos' 53-man roster at any point in the next 21 days. If he is activated, he is eligible to play as soon as Denver's Week 15 game against the Packers. Should the Broncos choose not to activate Powers within the next 21 days, he will revert to injured reserve for the rest of the season.

Powers, who started 39 consecutive games after signing with the Broncos ahead of 2023, suffered his injury in Denver's Week 5 win over the Eagles.

Denver has now designated five of a potential eight players for return from injured reserve. Defensive tackle Malcolm Roach and linebackers Dre Greenlaw and Garret Wallow were previously designated for return and activated. Linebacker Drew Sanders was designated for return at the beginning of the season, but his 21-day window has not yet begun.

The Broncos' active roster currently sits at 53 players, which would require Denver to make a corresponding move to activate Powers.