Denver Broncos rookie running back Jonah Coleman has been activated from injured reserve ahead of Sunday’s Week 7 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, joining edge rusher Jonathon Cooper on the active 53-man roster.
Coleman Returns to a Crowded Backfield in Week 7
Mike Klis of 9News Denver reported the activation of both Coleman and Jonathon Cooper on Saturday via his official X account. The Denver Broncos head into Sunday with a 4-2 record and a much healthier roster, though Coleman steps back into an offense that has evolved during his four-game absence. Coleman spent his recovery on injured reserve after sustaining a high ankle injury.
Coleman actually injured his ankle on his first touch and played through it the entire game against the Jaguars,
NFL on Prime’s James Palmer wrote on his official X account. Rotoballer noted that the injury occurred on his first touch of that contest, yet he played through it before being sidelined. During his recovery window, veteran J.K. Dobbins and second-year back RJ Harvey handled the backfield duties.
Coleman Completes Four-Game Absence from Ankle Injury
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on September 26 that Coleman would miss multiple weeks and enter injured reserve due to his high ankle sprain, writing on his official X account: Source: With a high-ankle sprain, Broncos RB Jonah Coleman now will miss the next few games and be placed on short-term injured reserve today.
DNVR reporter Zac Stevens confirmed the roster move on his official X account, noting the mandatory four-game recovery timeline: The Broncos are placing Jonah Coleman on IR, per source. He’s expected to be back after missing the mandated four games.
Coleman officially began his 21-day practice window on Wednesday, clearing the way for his prompt return at the earliest possible eligibility date.
Roster Changes Shape Denver Ahead of Arizona Clash
Chris Tomasson of the Denver Gazette reported that running back Tyler Badie landed on injured reserve after breaking his thumb during a pass protection rep against Seattle. Badie’s placement ensures a minimum four-game absence. While Surtain and Coleman were listed as questionable, running back Tyler Badie (thumb), outside linebacker Jonah Elliss (ankle) and safety Talanoa Hufanga (ankle) were ruled out.
Pro Football Rumors noted that Cooper, 28, has registered at least eight sacks in each of the past three seasons, offering an immediate lift to the pass rush even if he starts with a limited workload. On the defensive side, edge rusher Jonathon Cooper returns after spending six games on the commissioner’s exempt list. However, outside linebacker Jonah Elliss joins the injured reserve list due to a leg injury sustained against Seattle.
The Broncos carry a 4-2 record into Sunday’s 2:05 p.m. MT matchup against the 2-4 Cardinals, with cornerback Pat Surtain II and Coleman both listed as questionable on the team’s final injury report.
