ENGLEWOOD — There is no need to panic about the health status of Marvin Mims Jr.

The Broncos wide receiver left practice early Wednesday to be evaluated for a groin injury and did not return. He wasn’t in attendance on Thursday, either, but coach Sean Payton gave a positive update to reporters.

“Good news,” Payton said after practice at Broncos Park. “He’ll be back at practice. We have a bonus practice Monday, and he’ll be at work Monday, so we’re fortunate.”

Mims is a two-time Pro Bowler as a return specialist and was named First-Team All-Pro last year as a punt returner. He is considered a possible No. 2 wide receiver this season, behind Courtland Sutton, after posting 39 catches for 503 yards and six touchdowns a year ago. The Broncos host the Titans in Week 1 of the NFL season on Sept. 7.

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Murtagh signed

The Broncos filled the last available spot on their practice squad with a 17th player who qualified for the NFL’s international exemption.

Tight end Patrick Murtagh — a former Australian Rules Football player — signed with the Broncos on Thursday, according to the league’s transaction wire. Murtagh initially joined the Lions in 2023 for training camp through the NFL’s International Pathway Program. He spent last season on the Jaguars practice squad.

Murtagh joined Broncos practice on Thursday. He is the second Australian-born player on the roster alongside punter Jeremy Crawshaw.

“We’re excited to have (Murtagh),” Payton said. “It’s funny. You’re not looking to bend the rules, but you’re looking closely at the rules. We had a few players on our team whose mom is from Brazil or dad’s from (another country). Very quickly we figured out that can’t work. … It’s much stricter. So, when you look at that international list — we were either offensive line, tight end — and that helps you again in your practices. The exposures with him have been good. We’re at our quota with Australians.”

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Crawshaw training

Crawshaw, selected No. 216 overall (sixth round) of the NFL draft, is working through rookie preseason struggles with a unique practice plan.

The Broncos will randomly stop during team periods for a sudden punt instead of reserving those boots for designated special team work. It is designed to simulate the game-like pressure Crawshaw will face to help eliminate inconsistencies. Payton credited special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi with the idea.

“Just creating those situations, I think benefits the young punter because that’s kind of the game,” Payton said. “If you said: ‘We’re going to go out there, we’re punting. Everyone chill out for a second while he hits three.’ … That’s not very realistic. I thought he handled it well. I thought it went well, and we’ll continue to do that.”

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Inside linebacker plan

The Broncos kept three inside linebackers on their practice squad in Levelle Bailey, Jordan Turner and Garret Wallow. That’s no coincidence. Denver’s starting inside linebackers — Alex Singleton and Dre Greenlaw — both dealt with injuries in training camp.

Payton suggested both starters might have a “pitch count” or snap limitations early in the season.

“We have to be smart … and be ready to play some younger players,” Payton said.