ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — As the Broncos near the NFL-mandated 53-man roster deadline, Head Coach Sean Payton said tight end Nate Adkins will likely avoid short-term injured reserve.
"I can't say he's going to be medically ready to play Week 1, but close enough to where we're probably going to hold him [on the active roster]," Payton said Thursday.
Adkins suffered an ankle injury during the Broncos' joint practice against the 49ers, and Payton previously announced the third-year player underwent a tightrope procedure to resolve the injury.
Payton said the Broncos discussed Adkins' status recently, and they believe he will "beat the short-term IR" timeline. Payton mentioned Week 2 and Week 3 as possible return dates for Adkins.
Players placed on short-term IR must miss at least four games, which would delay Adkins' return until at least Week 5.
"He's too good a football player for us," Payton said in reference to Adkins missing more time. "We're going to need him."
Payton said cornerback Jahdae Barron, who did not practice Thursday, is "fine" and that the Broncos anticipate him playing against the Saints on Saturday.
