Dre Greenlaw would not allow the Texans to score.

The Broncos veteran inside linebacker, returning from a one-game suspension, made his presence felt Sunday on a goal-line stand. Houston rushed the football three straight times 1 yard shy of a touchdown. Greenlaw combined for a tackle on all three runs to help force a Texans field goal.

The sequence exemplified why Denver signed Greenlaw to a three-year contract in NFL free agency.

Broncos coach Sean Payton gushed over a “toughness” and “competitiveness” that is “hard to put on paper” when asked to describe Greenlaw’s impact during their 18-15 road win over Houston.

“He’s extremely physical, and I think he plays with such good pad level and leverage,” Payton continued Monday. “He’s a great tackler. It’s good to have him in the lineup.”

Greenlaw also logged his first sack with the Broncos. He chased down C.J. Stroud on Houston’s opening series for no gain — prior to the Texans quarterback exiting with a concussion. Greenlaw finished the afternoon with eight tackles on just 27 defensive snaps played.

The Broncos have limited snaps initially as he returns from a quadriceps issue that held Greenlaw out of the early season and much of training camp. He will likely rotate with inside linebacker Justin Strnad throughout the year to stay fresh. The Broncos did not rush Greenlaw into the lineup while dealing with a sensitive muscle injury.

“It was tough waiting and making that decision, but in hindsight, it was worth it,” Payton said.

Payton clarifies comments

Denver special teams miscues added up in recent weeks with several more in Houston.

The Texans blocked a Wil Lutz field goal attempt and practice-squad elevation wide receiver Michael Bandy muffed a punt. The Broncos had players running late onto special teams units, and they allowed a 45-yard punt return by Texans wide receiver Jaylin Noel.

“My concern was just the late subs. It was a little bit sloppy,” Payton told reporters in Houston on Sunday. “The kicking game, we’ll get that cleaned up or we’ll find someone else that can do it.”

Payton on Monday clarified that his “find someone else” comment was not directed at special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi.

“I’m referring to players that aren’t on the field that need to be. Coaching is outstanding. We’ll get that cleaned up,” Payton said. “My point is, if there are 10 (players) on the field and there are supposed to be 11, then that player that’s supposed to be out there, I’ll find someone else to do his job.”

Trade deadline looms

The NFL trade deadline is 2 p.m. Tuesday with teams either buying or selling as the postseason nears.

Will the Broncos make a move before the deadline?

“We’ll see,” Payton said on Monday.

He also dismissed a narrative that Denver might make a big splash just to send an “all-in” message to the team.

“We would never make a trade to send a message to the team,” Payton said. “Everyone in the locker room, our players, coaches, management (and) front office knows that we’re all in to win. The trade would take place — this supposed trade — if we found value in something that could help us. Period. That’s it. We’re not looking to send a message.”

Estimated injury report

The Broncos did not practice Monday and released an estimated injury report.

Seven players were listed as non participants: tight end Nate Adkins (knee), defensive back J.T. Gray (hamstring), safety Brandon Jones (foot), safety P.J. Locke (neck), wide receiver Marvin Mims (concussion), cornerback Riley Moss (ankle) and cornerback Pat Surtain (pectoral).

Three players were listed as limited: outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper (thumb), defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers (shoulder) and defensive tackle D.J. Jones (knee).

Briefly

The Broncos are wearing their throwback uniforms honoring the Orange Crush era on Thursday against the Raiders. … Denver is a 9.5-point home favorite against Las Vegas, according to FanDuel.