ENGLEWOOD — Greg Dulcich altered his running stride to prevent future injuries.

A daunting task for the third-year Broncos tight end.

“We’ve got great coaches, and they made it much easier,” Dulcich said Wednesday, after the fifth training camp practice with fans at Broncos Park. “I worked with (assistant strength and conditioning coach) Korey Jones a lot this summer … changing the gate. Working on striking below the hip and cleaning things up a little bit.”

Dulcich is back practicing with the team for the first time since last season. He endured multiple hamstring issues before a 2024 foot injury. Dulcich is now flashing elite catch-and-run ability in training camp as his confidence grows.

“I’m watching him make progress and am encouraged with how he’s doing,” coach Sean Payton said. “When I see him, I’m like: Man, you’re looking good.”

Dulcich, a third-round draft pick (2022), excelled in 10 games as a rookie with 12.5 yards per reception and two touchdowns. But he appeared in only two games last season with three total catches. Dulcich is hopeful that mechanical changes to his approach will yield staying power on the active roster.

“All summer, we were just working to build volume on it. Running, sprinting, change of direction — all of it,” Dulcich said. “I feel good. I was glad to be able to come out day one (of training camp) and do everything.”

Bailey injured

Reserve offensive lineman Quinn Bailey suffered a significant injury Wednesday in practice.

Bailey needed the cart and an air cast after it appeared his right leg buckled during a 9-on-7 period.

“It looks like he fractured his ankle. That was definitely apparent,” Payton said following practice. “I’m not sure of the timeline relative to his surgery. But it’s always tough to see and to be a part of when you’re at a practice. And it’s one of the sometimes-bitter realities of our game. He was having a real good camp.”

Bailey is considered the team’s sixth offensive lineman as a primary tackle capable of playing guard. Payton expects a health update Thursday with Bailey’s recovery timeline.

“It’s devastating,” Dulcich said. “You can only pray for him. The kind of guy that (Bailey) is; he’s going to attack the rehab and make sure he’s doing everything. Nothing but prayers for Quinn.”

Briefly

Defensive lineman D.J. Jones brought laughs Wednesday to the podium. When asked if he prepares his body for football differently entering his eighth NFL season, in comparison to Year 1, Jones said: “Oh, yeah. If anybody tells you no, they’re lying. Or they’re a kicker.” … Payton confirmed that all players will be available for exhibition games. He said: “We’re going to play our starters in the preseason. … After three consecutive padded training camp practices, the Broncos will transition Friday to shells (helmets, shoulder pads and shorts), Payton said.