ENGLEWOOD — The Broncos have their first health scare of training camp.

Starting center Luke Wattenberg suffered an apparent injury during a one-on-one drill early in practice Monday. The training staff assisted Wattenberg into the training facility at Broncos Park, and he did not return. Coach Sean Payton declined to offer specifics about Wattenberg’s status following practice.

“We’ll go ahead and evaluate,” Payton said. “I think he’ll be fine.”

Wattenberg won the starting center job in 2024 out of training camp. He’s made 29 starts over four seasons with the Broncos. But last year he missed the final two regular season games with a shoulder injury. Wattenberg returned for the AFC Championship Game loss to the Patriots.

On Monday, the Broncos turned to depth offensive lineman Alex Forsyth as their center with the first-team offense. The Broncos drafted Forsyth in 2023 with a seventh-round pick out of Oregon. He’s appeared in 17 regular season games over the past two seasons with six starts. Forsyth is also a regular blocker on special teams.

Coach Sean Payton described Forsyth as “savvy” after Monday practice at Broncos Park.

“He’s one of the smarter guys in that room,” Payton said. “You don’t feel a young player. You feel like, if you interviewed him, you’d feel like you’re talking to a seven-year vet. He’s a little bit of an old soul that way and much appreciated. He’s really talented.”

Taysom Hill chatter

Payton told NFL Network on Saturday the Broncos would inquire about free agent Taysom Hill. Payton coached Hill during their time together with the Saints. Hill will not return to New Orleans this season.

“There’s no hurry right now. I’m going to see (Hill) here in five days (for Drew Brees’ induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame),” Payton said. “So, we’ll see where he’s at and kind of go from there. … The key thing is his health and where he’s at mentally. I don’t want to assume that he still wants to play. I haven’t had a chance to talk with him.”

Broncos tight end Adam Trautman was also previously Saints teammates with Hill.

“(Hill) is super unique and he was one of my friends in New Orleans,” Trautman said. “He’s super talented, obviously, and can do pretty much everything. He is the true definition of a Swiss Army Knife. … The front office is in control of that, obviously.”

Nix progress

Broncos players and coaches are raving about quarterback Bo Nix entering his third season.

Trautman explained where Nix has improved since taking over the offense as a rookie.

“He understands the concepts wholly,” Trautman said. “He knows where he wants people. … He’s just in full total control. I said this all last year, but you’re never going to feel like you’re out of the game when he’s in the huddle.”

Briefly

The Broncos practiced Monday in pads for the first time in training camp. Safety Talanoa Hufanga said: “It was actually pretty intense.” … Linebacker Drew Sanders and wide receiver Joseph Manjack both returned to training camp practice following several absences. Sanders missed all of last year with a torn ACL but participated in the offseason program. Manjack is an undrafted rookie (TCU). … Second-year tight end Caleb Lohner has not participated in training camp yet following offseason knee surgery. Payton does not have a timeline for Lohner’s return. Payton said: “I always get a little concerned, especially if it’s a younger player.” … Outside linebacker Dondrea Tillman worked out individually on the side field during team work at Monday practice.