Denver Broncos safety Talanoa Hufanga returned to limited practice after an ankle injury, with his Week 9 status against the Panthers still uncertain.
Denver Broncos safety Talanoa Hufanga returned to practice Thursday for the first time since suffering an ankle injury against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 5.
Hufanga participated on a limited basis after sitting out Wednesday’s session, marking progress ahead of Sunday’s road game against the Carolina Panthers.
The starting safety has missed Denver’s last three games since leaving the game on Oct. 11. Taylor Rapp and Devon Key handled most of the work in his absence. Denver held the session in Englewood, Colorado, as it continued preparations for an upcoming trip east to Charlotte.
Nick Kosmider of The Athletic highlighted Hufanga’s change to Thursday’s involvement took to X, formerly Twitter, sharing the official Broncos injury report along with his update.
“Broncos safety Talanoa Hufanga (limited; ankle) participated in portions of a practice today for the first time since suffering the injury in Week 5 against the Chargers.”
Hufanga recorded 23 tackles, one sack, three tackles for loss and three passes defensed in his first five appearances this season. He also intercepted two passes, returned one for a touchdown, and forced a fumble in the win over Los Angeles.
His versatility carries added importance with fellow starting safety Brandon Jones dealing with a hamstring injury. Jones missed practice for the second straight day Thursday, leaving uncertainty at both starting safety positions.
Limited participation does not establish that Hufanga will play this weekend. The Broncos have not assigned him a final game assignment, and Friday’s report will provide the next official assessment of his availability.
The Broncos enter Week 9 at 6-2, atop the AFC West and looking for their fifth straight victory. Carolina is 3-4 and sits atop the NFC South.
The teams meet Sunday at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, with kickoff scheduled for 1 pm ET/10 am PT.
For now, Hufanga has resumed training, while his status against the Panthers remains unresolved.
Denver Broncos safety Talanoa Hufanga returned to practice Thursday for the first time since suffering an ankle injury against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 5. Hufanga participated on a limited basis after sitting out Wednesday’s session, marking progress ahead of Sunday’s road game against the Carolina Panthers.