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

Play of the day

Quarterback Bo Nix hit a deep shot down the sideline to wide receiver Courtland Sutton during a team period. Cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine blanketed Sutton in coverage. But Sutton still caught the football in stride to deliver a first down. The Nix-Sutton connection will be essential to the Broncos’ overall success in 2026.

Position battle

Defensive line: The Broncos have several candidates stepping up to replace the production of John Franklin-Myers, who signed with the Titans in free agency. Eyioma Uwazurike, Sai’vion Jones and Que Robinson stood out on Monday. All three players are in a position for breakout seasons.

Stock rising

Running back: The first team periods of practice were especially run-heavy with J.K. Dobbins, RJ Harvey and Jonah Coleman leading in carries. All three running backs have shown positive flashes in training camp. That depth should come in handy if injuries become a problem.

Stock falling

Center: The Broncos relied on reserve offensive linemen Michael Deiter and Gavin Ortega at center. Both struggled with consistency in team periods. It might be a concern heading into the first preseason game Friday if their first two options at center are still unavailable.

Attendance check

Backup center Alex Forsyth did not practice Monday. The Broncos are still without wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (muscle strain), outside linebacker Dasan McCullough and tight end Caleb Lohner (knee).

Center Luke Wattenberg was back in pads for the first time since an apparent injury last week. But he was not a full participant Monday. Wide receiver Marvin Mims also watched most of practice in pads.

The following players worked on the side field during practice: cornerback Pat Surtain, tight end Nate Adkins, safety Devon Key, Wattenberg and Mims.

Tight end Nate Adkins and Uwazurike returned to practice.

Injury report

Running back J.K. Dobbins left practice and did not return. Coach Sean Payton described it as a “soft tissue” injury and said he thinks Dobbins will be “fine.”

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. Tuesday at Broncos Park. There is no practice on Thursday. The first Broncos preseason game is at 5 p.m. Friday on the road against the Falcons.

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.