ENGLEWOOD – Come Monday night, the Broncos are expected to have their “Joker” back in their deck.

Now we’ll find out how much they will use him. 

Tight end Evan Engram was much touted when he signed last March as a free agent and has been expected to fill the “Joker” role head coach Sean Payton has sought to provide matchup problems. But it has been a frustrating start for the nine-year veteran. 

In the 20-12 win over Tennessee in Week 1, Engram had three catches for 21 yards but played just 34.2% percent of Denver’s offensive snaps. In a 29-28 loss at Indianapolis in Week 2, he had one reception for 12 yards while playing 43.1% of the snaps. 

Engram did suffer a back injury in that game, which forced him to miss last Sunday’s 23-20 loss at the Los Angeles Chargers. But Engram returned to practice this week as a full participant and, barring a setback, will take the field on Monday Night Football against the Cincinnati Bengals at Empower Field at Mile High. 

“I feel great,’’ Engram said after Friday’s practice at Broncos Park. “I’m super grateful for our training staff here with everything that they’ve been helping me to get back on the field and get ready to go (Monday).’’ 

For the first time this season, the Broncos are expected to have all their tight ends healthy. Adam Trautman and Lucas Krull played in the first three games, and Nate Adkins returned against the Chargers after missing the first two games following ankle surgery. It remains to be seen if the Broncos could activate four tight ends against the Bengals or go with their usual three. 

Expectations have been high for Engram, 31, since he signed a two-year, $23 million contract last March. He is a two-time Pro Bowl selection who in 2023 for Jacksonville caught 114 passes, the second most in NFL history by a tight end, for 963 yards. 

“(I’m) just looking forward to coming in and leaving a mark as much as I can,’’ Engram said about being back for the Broncos. 

Engram declined to give details of how he was hurt against the Colts. But he said “for sure” it was frustrating to sit out against the Chargers. 

“I just want to play football, honestly,’’ he said. “I’ve had some adversity early on, but life is hard sometimes. Adversity kind of hits sometimes.” 

Broncos offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi was asked Friday about Engram’s diminished snap counts before he was injured. 

“We got a bunch of tight ends that we like, and they all do different things well, but I think we’re aware of what (Engram’s) strengths are and he’ll be getting going here real soon,’’ Lombardi said. 

Against the Titans, Trautman played 44 snaps, Engram 26 and Krull 22. Against the Colts, it was 36 for Trautman, 25 for Engram and nine for Krull. Against the Chargers, it was 22 for Krull, 19 for Trautman and 18 for Adkins. 

Engram is considered the best receiver among Denver’s tight ends. Trautman is known for his versatility. Krull is regarded more for receiving than blocking. Adkins is a top-notch blocker who did have some good moments as a receiver in 2024, catching 14 passes for 115 yards and three touchdowns. 

However, in a practice in early August, Adkins said he “rolled” his ankle. It was then recommended he have “tightrope” surgery, a newer type of procedure that provides more predictability for a player to return following a high ankle sprain. 

“It was good,’’ Adkins told The Denver Gazette about how the surgery went. “I was happy with it. At the moment, I was kind of skeptical about it because obviously you don’t really want surgery. But once I made the decision and how quickly I came back, I was pretty happy with it.” 

Adkins was pleased with how his return went against the Chargers. He wasn’t targeted for any passes but had an active blocking role. 

“Last week was good,’’ Adkins said. “And just hopefully just keep building on feeling good out there and just gaining mental success about there and being healthy.” 

Since Payton arrived in 2023, the Broncos have had plenty of receiving issues with tight ends. Last year, Denver tight ends combined for a meager 51 catches for 483 yards. 

It hasn’t been much better so far this season, with tight ends having combined for 10 catches for 63 yards and one touchdown. Engram has four receptions for 33 yards. Trautman has four grabs for 15 yards, including a 2-yard touchdown against the Colts. And Krull has two catches for 15 yards. 

But perhaps a healthy Engram can get make an impact Monday night.