On Saturday during training camp, Drew Sanders, a linebacker for the Denver Broncos, suffered what appears to be a severe lower leg injury. A former third-round draft pick, Sanders faced a significant setback last year after tearing his Achilles tendon, which sidelined him almost the entire 2024 season. Now, he was carted off the field during camp and was unable to bear weight on his injured leg. According to 9NEWS in Denver, he was assisted into the Broncos’ facility.

Coach Sean Payton did not provide details about the injury during his post-practice media session; however, he stated that the injury does not involve Sanders’ Achilles again. “It’s not his Achilles, but I want to wait and see once the doctors do the MRI,” said Payton.

If Sanders is fit to play, he is expected to serve as a key backup linebacker in his third professional year, alongside Justin Strnad, backing up starters Alex Singleton and Dre Greenlaw.

Selected with the No. 67 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Sanders made a notable impact in his rookie season with 24 tackles and a fumble recovery. He played in all 17 games and started four, marking an impressive debut. After the injury last April, he only returned to the field in late November 2024. He recorded his first career sack on his very first play from scrimmage.

Sanders excelled during his college career at Arkansas after transferring from Alabama. As a freshman, he was part of the national championship-winning team in 2020. He shone as a sophomore with the Crimson Tide and had a standout final year with the Razorbacks, achieving first-team All-American status and leading his team in tackles (103) and sacks (9.5).