ENGLEWOOD — A behind-the-scenes look at Broncos training camp practice Friday with observations and analysis from The Denver Gazette.

Play of the day

Quarterback Bo Nix led a successful 2-minute drive to end practice. He made two big throws: a 30-yard completion to wide receiver Courtland Sutton to reach the red zone, then a short touchdown pass to tight end Evan Engram. Nix is showing advanced command of the offense in his third year as the starting quarterback.

Position battle

Running back: It was arguably the best practice for running backs in all of training camp. J.K. Dobbins, RJ Harvey and Jonah Coleman all broke off big runs in team periods. It’s easier to showcase their abilities when the pads come on. We’ll learn a lot more about this group and the pecking order after preseason games.

Stock rising

ILB Red Murdock: The rookie stepped up in a 7-on-7 drill. Wide receiver Hakeem Butler caught a pass, but Murdock caused a forced fumble by punching it loose. That’s no surprise. Murdock finished his career at Buffalo as the NCAA leader in forced fumbles (17). It’s a big reason why the Broncos drafted him as Mr. Irrelevant.

Stock falling

Coach attendance: Several Broncos coaches and staff members left practice early. It turns out they had a good reason. Sean Payton, Dan Dalrymple, Zach Strief, Joe Vitt and Beau Lowery headed out to attend the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony for former Saints quarterback Drew Brees. Kicker Wil Lutz, a former teammate of Brees, also left practice early.

Attendance check

Outside linebacker Nik Bonitto and wide receiver Courtland Sutton were full participants in a padded practice.

The following players appeared to take vet days for load management: DL D.J. Jones, ILB Alex Singleton, DL Malcolm Roach and LT Garett Bolles.

Players who did not practice included center Luke Wattenberg and wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. Tight end Caleb Lohner (knee) was also absent for the Broncos.

Injury report

Defensive lineman Matt Henningsen suffered an apparent injury during individual drills. He was carted off the practice field and did not return. Henningsen suffered a torn Achilles tendon, according to a 9NEWS report, which is the same injury he suffered in training camp last year.

Wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. pulled up on a route near the end of practice. He went into the locker room and did not return. Tight end Nate Adkins also left practice early.

Offensive lineman Nick Gargiulo is on the physically unable to perform list with a torn ACL. Inside linebacker Jordan Turner is on the non-football injury list with an undisclosed issue.

What’s next

Training camp continues with practice at 10 a.m. Saturday at Broncos Park. The team is expected to scrimmage. Players are off Sunday.

Ticket information

Free mobile tickets required for entry to open practices are sold out. Fans can return their tickets by emailing tickets@broncos.nfl.net up to 30 minutes after the start of practice each day. Refunded tickets will be made available to the general public through Ticketmaster on a day-to-day basis. Attendance is limited to about 1,000 people.