During the Denver Broncos' joint practice with the Arizona Cardinals, injuries reared their ugly head. Superstar Nik Bonitto was unavailable while still dealing with a foot injury sustained during the blowout win against the San Francisco 49ers, and Garrett Bolles needed to be looked at inside an ambulance. A rather unsettling situation for Broncos fans.
Luckily, everything appears to be okay with the latest update from head coach Sean Payton regarding Bolles' health issue. As Payton shared, Bolles is "going to be fine" and had "some asthma, breathing (issues)."
Good news: Garett Bolles is “going to be fine” per Sean Payton. Had “some asthma, breathing”
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) August 14, 2025
After spending some time being looked at, he left the ambulance and was seen walking to the Broncos facility with trainers.
Broncos LT Garett Bolles went to an ambulance during Broncos and Cardinals joint practice. After spending some time there, he has now left the ambulance and is walking to the Broncos facility with trainers. Don’t want to assume anything. So I won’t.
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) August 14, 2025
On Wednesday, Payton confirmed that Bonitto's injury was related to his foot. While offering that "he's (Bonitto) going to be alright." The head coach added, "I anticipate him practicing tomorrow and this week. He should be in good shape." Less than 24 hours after his comments, Bonitto was once again unavailable for practice. The team is right to be cautious and let him heal fully. It's the preseason, and if one showing was any indication, Bonitto is ready to set the league on fire.
#Broncos Nik Bonitto out here with his teammates but not practicing. pic.twitter.com/ybsApj6maw
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) August 14, 2025
In December of 2023, Bolles and the Broncos agreed to terms on a massive contract extension that keeps him in Denver through 2028. When asked about what it meant to him, Bolles offered that it was a "dream come true" and that he was grateful to be a "Bronco for life." It's not hard to see why the fans fell in love with the superstar; he bleeds orange and blue.
The front office has fortified the offensive line and built one of the best units across the entire NFL. Bolles has been a large part of that success.
For Bo Nix to take that important next step, a chunk of it falls on his offensive line protecting him up front. For the defense to be successful, having Bonitto on the field is just as important. There are high hopes for this Denver team heading into the 2025 season, and both of these men play instrumental roles for the team's long-term goals. Crisis averted.
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