ENGLEWOOD — A behind-the-scenes look at Broncos training camp practice Thursday with observations and analysis from The Denver Gazette.

Play of the day

Second-year running back Audric Estime showed impressive burst with a long run up the middle during an 11-on-11 period. It’s important to note players were in shells and not full pads. But Estime still turned heads with his acceleration and flat-line speed. Get ready for a very interesting position battle for depth at running back with several candidates making strong impressions in training camp.

Position battle

Tight end: Evan Engram is quickly establishing himself as a favorite target for quarterback Bo Nix. Is anyone surprised? Engram made several nice catches across the middle and down the sideline during team periods. He has the flexibility to split out wide at receiver or play as a traditional blocking tight end. Engram certainly fits the “Joker” description coveted by coach Sean Payton.

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Stock rising

Red-zone offense: The quarterbacks were clicking in the final 11-on-11 period in the red zone. They accounted for five touchdowns with multiple wide receivers, including Courtland Sutton, getting in on the action. Defense has typically dominated over the course of training camp. The offense looked great on Thursday at Broncos Park.

Stock falling

Penalties: A crew of NFL game officials attended practice for the first time of training camp. There were several flags thrown during team periods. It placed a greater emphasis on playing clean football, especially pre-snap, as the Broncos near their preseason opener at San Francisco on Saturday, Aug. 9. Players and coaches also watched a video to explain rule changes and points of emphasis for the 2025 season.

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Attendance check

Rookie outside linebacker Que Robinson missed a second consecutive training camp practice.

Devaughn Vele returned after a one-practice absence. The second-year wide receiver wore a sleeve on his left leg. But Vele looked strong in team drills.

The Broncos signed free agent linebacker Garrett Nelson on Thursday, a source told The Denver Gazette. Nelson played at the University of Nebraska (2019-22) and spent time on the Bengals’ practice squad. He also played two spring football seasons in the UFL (San Antonio Brahmas). Nelson participated in Thursday’s practice.

Injury report

Inside linebacker Dre Greenlaw left practice early after pulling up early in a one-on-one drill vs. running back J.K. Dobbins. Greenlaw jogged into the locker room with team athletic trainers. Coach Sean Payton said after practice: “I think he’s fine.”

Denver placed rookie outside linebacker Johnny Walker Jr. on injured reserve Thursday, a source confirmed.

Inside linebacker Alex Singleton viewed practice with a cast over his left wrist and hand following surgery to repair a broken thumb. He’s expected to miss about a week.

Wide receiver A.T. Perry watched practice while on the physically unable to perform list (PUP).

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What’s next

Training camp continues with practice at 10 a.m. Friday at Broncos Park. Expect more physicality after the team dialed it back for Thursday practice.

Ticket information

Free mobile tickets required for entry to open practices are sold out. Fans can return their tickets by emailing [email protected] up to 30 minutes after the start of practice each day. Refunded tickets will be made available to the general public through Ticketmaster on a day-to-day basis.

Friday is the next training camp practice open to fans with attendance limited to 800.