Broncos OLB Nik Bonitto Has MCL Injury; Payton 'Optimistic'

It's no longer a mystery as to exactly what ails Denver Broncos outside linebacker Nik Bonitto, who hasn't suited up since suffering a knee injury in the team's Week 14 victory over the Chargers.

Initially mum regarding the matter, Broncos head coach Sean Payton clarified Wednesday that Bonitto is dealing with an MCL issue and is "questionable" to play against New England on Christmas Eve.

“I’m optimistic," Payton said. "He’ll be questionable for this game. He didn’t go today, but I know he’s feeling better. That’s kind of day-to-day with an MCL. I know he had a good first week of rehab and recovery. It is kind of a daily [thing]. I’ll ask [Vice President of Player Health and Performance] Beau [Lowery] in the staff meeting where we are at, and it is usually two players.”

Bonitto was listed as a DNP (Did Not Practice) on Wednesday and Thursday's practice report. Unless he can get in even a limited session Friday, the second-year pass rusher will almost certainly ruled out for Week 16 before likely returning the following Sunday versus Los Angeles.

Bonitto, who'd begun to blossom in his sophomore campaign, leads the Broncos' defense in both sacks (7) and tackles-for-loss (11). His absence was felt in last week's 42-17 loss to the Lions as the edge corps combined for just two quarterback hits and one sack on Detroit's Jared Goff.