Insider: Broncos Rookies Mims, Sanders Rehabbed Pulled Leg Muscles

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton was characteristically guarded earlier this month when discussing injuries to the team's top rookies, wide receiver Marvin Mims and linebacker Drew Sanders. Both players worked off to the side during mandatory minicamp, though it was never revealed why.

Now, it's known. Per 9NEWS insider Mike Klis, Mims and Sanders were rehabbing pulled leg muscles amid the final offseason practices ahead of training camp, which begins July 28.

But while Payton never disclosed the extent of their muscle pulls, he did admit to being unconcerned about the second- and third-round picks falling behind in their respective development.

“No, I think they’re both real sharp mentally," Payton said on June 15. "We have real good early glimpses of them, and they’re quickly healing.”

Mims, taken 63rd overall following a trade-up, is currently listed as Denver's No. 4 WR behind Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton, and Tim Patrick. Klis believes the speedy Oklahoma product could eventually surpass Patrick on the depth chart, likely functioning as the primary slot man.

Sanders, whom the Broncos chose four spots after Mims, is expected to open the regular season as the third inside linebacker behind Josey Jewell and Alex Singleton, leapfrogging veteran Jonas Griffith. The former Arkansas standout, like Mims, projects as a 2024 starter, according to Klis.