Payton Mum on Injury Status of Broncos OLB Nik Bonitto

Will Denver be without its leading sacker?

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton was predictably — and perhaps worryingly — reticent on the knee injury that forced outside linebacker Nik Bonitto from Sunday's win at Los Angeles.

Asked Monday, Payton offered a brief update on starting right guard Quinn Meinerz, who suffered an irregular heartbeat during the game and was hospitalized overnight.

Bonitto? Crickets.

"Quinn will be back today. That’s really any update we have," Payton told reporters.

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Bonitto went down during the first quarter against the Chargers and was quickly ruled out. The second-year pro departed SoFi Stadium with a brace on his left knee and ... not much is known beyond that.

“I’ll keep you posted," Payton said in his post-game press conference. "I’ve never talked to you about injuries after a game. I’ll keep you posted, though.”

The Broncos released an estimated practice report Tuesday — they play Saturday night against the Lions — and Bonitto was listed as DNP (Did Not Practice).

#Broncos estimated injury report. Locke and Bonitto would have sat out. Meinerz in good position after Sunday’s scare. #Denver7 pic.twitter.com/uMwrnAzDLf

— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) December 12, 2023

Bonitto's absence would be a big blow to Denver's defense as he leads the unit with seven sacks and 11 tackles-for-loss while earning solid pass-rushing marks from Pro Football Focus.

The next men up at OLB are Ronnie Perkins and Thomas Incoom, one of whom is primed to start if Bonitto can't suit up in the Motor City.

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