ENGLEWOOD — Broncos coach Sean Payton revealed an injury concern in his opening remarks following practice.

“We have to get a handle on some of the soft tissues,” Payton said. “We’ve had a couple (of) strains, hamstring or groins. We continue to fight through that.”

J.K. Dobbins is the latest example.

The Broncos running back completed the early portion of practice, walk-throughs and individual drills, before exiting the field for the locker room. He did not return. Dobbins gave a “pinky promise” to reporters in late July that he would be healthy for all 17 games this season.

Payton confirmed Monday that Dobbins suffered a “soft-tissue” injury before adding: “I think he’s going to be fine. We’re just being smart with it.”

There are at least two more Broncos — wide receivers Jaylen Waddle and Marvin Mims — who appear to have suffered similar soft-tissue injuries.

Payton said previously that Waddle is expected to practice soon after a four- to five-day absence from a lower-body strain. Mims pulled up after a route during practice last week. He dressed in pads Monday but did not practice. It is possible that more Broncos have similar issues based on Payton’s comments.

The Broncos finished Monday’s practice with light running and a team stretch. Payton called it a “warm down” to help muscles recover. Payton said high temperatures at Broncos Park are not his biggest worry when addressing soft-tissue injuries.

“You always try to look at your pre-practice routine (and) your hydration,” Payton said. “It’s incumbent on the player. It’s hard for anyone to know your soft tissue. I’m always looking at what we did leading up to maybe a period where someone had a strain. We had a warm down after practice, and we’ll continue to focus on it.”

Lutz milestone

Broncos kicker Wil Lutz enters the 2026 season with 99 straight made extra points.

Lutz told reporters Monday he takes pride in the streak considering that “something like 75% of games are decided by three points.” It’s all about consistency for the veteran placekicker.

“I take just as much pride in the extra point as I do a 55-yarder in the third quarter. It’s important,” Lutz said. “I think you saw in the Giants game (last season), one point changes the entire approach of the game. So, that comes from preparation and not having a lazy swing in those moments. It’s the kick you’re going to hit the most in the season. … Hopefully we can keep that going.”

Henningsen reaction

Broncos defensive lineman Matt Henningsen has suffered consecutive season-ending injuries.

Henningsen tore an achilles tendon in back-to-back training camps. His latest setback took place Friday at Broncos Park. Henningsen was visibly emotional while being carted off the field.

“Gosh, it’s tough,” Payton said. “I saw the injury. … It’s hug him up (and) be around him. Everyone’s got a different journey, and it’s filled with road bumps and he’s pretty tough. I hate it for him because of how it happened and yet you put your arm around him and give him support.”

Briefly

Payton said that first-year offensive coordinator Davis Webb will “probably” call plays from the field this season. … Payton described his reaction to ex-Saints quarterback Drew Brees being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame last weekend. Payton said: “It was touching, it was emotional. It was everything that’s good in sport.” … Lutz is looking forward to the preseason opener Friday against the Atlanta Falcons. He said: “It’s crazy how quick these games are coming. It feels like we just started training camp.” … Thunder Spirit LLC — the group behind the live horse mascot “Thunder” for the Broncos — is retiring after more than 30 years with the club, according to a news release. The Broncos will continue the tradition with a new horse and management team in 2026.