Broncos Activate RB Jonah Coleman, OLB Jonathon Cooper

Jonah Coleman is back on the active roster. The rookie running back was placed on injured reserve last month due to a high ankle sprain, interrupting his season. Coleman recorded 13 touches during his second and most recent appearance, and it will be interesting to see how large of a workload he handles upon returning to action.

The Broncos designated Coleman for return on Wednesday. It is encouraging the fourth-rounder has been brought back into the fold at the first opportunity. He will join veteran J.K. Dobbins and second-year back RJ Harvey at the RB spot as Denver seeks improved offensive efficiency moving forward.

To no surprise, the Broncos have also activated edge rusher Jonathon Cooper. He was recently removed from the commissioner’s exempt list, ending a six-week spell without being eligible to practice or play. After limited work over the past few days, Cooper could return to the fold while handling a limited workload.

Even if that is the case, Denver’s pass rush will receive a notable boost. Cooper, 28, has posted at least eight sacks in each of the past three seasons. A return to full-time starting duties will likely take place in short order. The NFL’s investigation into Cooper is ongoing, and his legal case will not be resolved until at least March. Any suspension handed down under the personal conduct policy would include the six games Cooper spent on the exempt list.

While Coleman is back in the fold, fellow running back Tyler Badie is set to miss time. He has been placed on injured reserve, ensuring an absence of at least four games. According to Chris Tomasson of the Denver Gazette, Badie broke his thumb during a pass protection rep in Denver’s loss to Seattle. He could be available for activation after the minimum period on the sidelines.

Similar to the running back situation, Denver will not be at full strength along the edge even with Cooper back in the mix. Jonah Elliss exited the Seattle game with a leg injury, and head coach Sean Payton indicated missed time would be in store. To little surprise, Elliss has also been moved to IR. The 2024 third-rounder has logged a career-high 58% snap share so far in 2026, and a regular role should await him upon return.

The Broncos designated safety Taylor Rapp and defensive back Sean Fresch Jr. as their gameday elevations for Week 7. They will be eligible to play tomorrow for Denver (4-2) against Arizona (2-4).