ENGLEWOOD — Broncos linebacker Dre Greenlaw is on track to be a full participant in training camp.

On Saturday, following rookie minicamp practice at Broncos Park, coach Sean Payton confirmed Greenlaw’s return timeline from a strained quadriceps muscle in the offseason. NBC Sports Bay Area previously reported the ex-49ers linebacker suffered a torn quad and would miss a “substantial portion of the 2025 season.”

Payton disputed the accuracy of that report.

“He’s on schedule,” Payton said. “I saw the early reports, and you don’t know how tempted I get sometimes (to respond). But I showed great restraint. He’s doing well and will be a full participant in training camp. All of that is doing great.”

The Broncos signed Greenlaw last month in free agency after he spent six seasons with San Francisco. Greenlaw suffered a torn Achilles tendon in 2024 and played in two games last season. Denver did not select a linebacker in the NFL draft but signed two undrafted linebackers in J.B. Brown (Kansas) and Karene Reid (Utah).

Bryant talks Thomas comparison

Third-round wide receiver Pat Bryant earned high praise when Payton compared the University of Illinois product to ex-Saints wide receiver Mike Thomas, who recorded 6,569 yards receiving and 36 touchdowns over seven years in the NFL.

Bryant reacted to that comparison Saturday at rookie minicamp.

“Hearing those comparisons is great. Mike is a great player,” Bryant said. “But at the end of the day, I try to control my own destiny. I’m trying to be the best Pat Bryant that I can be.”

Jones reunites with college coach

Third-round defensive end Sai’vion Jones has a Broncos connection.

Defensive line coach Jamar Cain served in the same role at LSU in 2022 prior to being hired under Payton. Jones played four seasons for LSU (2021-24) prior to being selected by Denver in the NFL draft.

Jones said their previous relationship helped “being comfortable and trusting” with Cain on Saturday after rookie minicamp practice at Broncos Park.

“With a new coach, you have to build that from the ground,” Jones continued. “Already having the trust established is a whole other thing.”

Briefly

Seventh-round tight end Caleb Lohner (Utah) is a former basketball player with intriguing upside at 6-foot-7 and 256 pounds. On Saturday, Lohner said: “My goal now is to learn the game football, help this team however I can and just improve every day. … I’ve been blessed with great people in my life and people that believed in my abilities.” … Fourth-round outside linebacker Que Robinson (Alabama) discussed his relationship with legendary ex-coach Nick Saban. Robinson said: He’s a busy man and I don’t get to talk to him too much. … I did right by being there on time, showing up, being a great guy, and ultimately that just made our relationship better.” … The Broncos conclude rookie minicamp on Sunday.