INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The Broncos are expected to return an unsung hero of their offense in tight end Nate Adkins.

The hybrid fullback/tight end underwent a “tightrope procedure” in August to address a high ankle sprain. Adkins missed the first two games but returned to full practice participation this week. He did not have an injury designation on the team’s final report before Sunday against the Chargers at SoFi Stadium.

“He does a lot of things,” coach Sean Payton said Friday after practice at Broncos Park. “The thing that we found in college (was that) he was predominantly a blocker. I think we had to watch 11 games to see him have a catch. He’s one of those guys who’s physical, and he is a good receiver. He can do a lot of things well. So, we’ll see where he’s at.”

Tight end Lucas Krull told The Denver Gazette: “Nate is one of my best friends, man. He’s an absolute dog. We’ve been missing him the last couple of weeks. Everybody on the team. Not just offense, but special teams wise, we’re very excited to get him back.”

Injured tight end Evan Engram (back) has been ruled out against the Chargers. Payton said that the injury occurred in Denver’s loss to the Colts. The Broncos activated practice squad fullback Adam Prentice to their active roster in each of the first two games.

“The mission every (game) is to win. Our mindset is always the same. We’re going to do whatever they ask us to do at the highest of our abilities to win. It’s as simple as that,” Krull said. “You don’t have to be somebody you’re not. Be the person and player you are and compete your tail off. Everybody in that room does.”

Division race

The Chargers (2-0) open the season with three consecutive AFC West games. They beat the Chiefs (0-2) and the Raiders (1-1). Up next: The Broncos (1-1).

It’s too early to be tuned into a division race. But the implications of Sunday’s outcome might resonate later in the season.

“It’s certainly an elevated sense of awareness of what’s at stake here,” right tackle Mike McGlinchey said. “I’ve never seen a schedule open up the way (the Chargers did) with three division games. All of a sudden, if they beat us this weekend, they’re 3-0 in the division. And that’s a pretty substantial lead with 14 weeks to go. We’ve got to do everything we can to make sure that doesn’t happen, and we’re ready for the challenge.”

The Chiefs have won nine consecutive AFC West titles. McGlinchey is upfront about Denver’s goal to unseat Kansas City as division champs.

“You can’t really do anything until you have that one, right? So, you don’t want to leave it up to chance,” McGlinchey said. “If you can win your division, you control the controllables, and you punch your own ticket to getting into the playoffs. That’s exactly what you want to do.”

Briefly

The Broncos will wear blue helmets, white jerseys, and white pants on Sunday against the Chargers. … Wide receiver Marvin Mims said he met Chargers safety Derwin James at the Pro Bowl. Mims called James a “great guy” and noted his talent. Mims said: “He’s nickel, he’s blitzing, he’s back deep, and he makes plays on the ball. He had an amazing PBU that turned into a pick last game. He’s a guy that’s all over the field.” … The Broncos’ all-time record playing in games at SoFi Stadium is 1-4.