ENGLEWOOD — Malcolm Roach has a new nickname for his Broncos teammate Alex Singleton.

Superman.

The reason? Singleton said he is “tracking” toward a return to play at inside linebacker Sunday against the Commanders after missing one game due to a testicular cancer diagnosis and successful surgery. Singleton practiced fully on Wednesday at Broncos Park upon return from the bye week.

“For them to catch it, and for him to be back, I told him: You’re like Jon Snow (from Game of Thrones). You’re like Superman almost. You played with a (torn) ACL and then you played with cancer,” Roach said. “It’s crazy. I told him: They’re going to write a book on it and it’s going to be a best seller.”

Coach Sean Payton said the team received encouraging news from Singleton’s scan results prior to the bye week. The Broncos were “confident” in Week 13 against the Commanders being a “target game” for Singleton’s return to play, Payton said.

Singleton appeared Tuesday on the ABC-TV program “Good Morning America” and recalled being diagnosed with testicular cancer Nov. 3 and playing three days later against the Raiders. Singleton reiterated his appreciation Wednesday for everyone who supported him over the health scare.

“Still a lot of tests to make sure it’s not spreading everywhere,” Singleton said. “Get through this week and just see how the body’s feeling and everything’s doing.”

Singleton remained involved in Broncos team meetings last week despite recovering from surgery. The Broncos are inspired by his quick recovery.

“It’s unbelievable,” center Luke Wattenberg said. “I mean, it’s a testament to Alex and his perseverance. I can’t imagine what he’s going through, and I’m glad he’s all right. It’s impressive that he’s going to play.”

Injury report

Wide receiver Pat Bryant (shoulder), outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper (thumb) and Singleton (illness) were full participants Wednesday at practice. Tight end Nate Adkins (knee) did not practice. Outside linebacker Jonah Elliss (hamstring) was limited.

Cornerback Pat Surtain (pectoral) was also limited. But he joins Singleton on a path to possible return Sunday against the Commanders. Surtain declined speaking with reporters until his health status gets updated Friday. He missed the last three games.

“It’s great to get someone like (Surtain) back in the lineup and ready to go,” Payton said.

Payton added it is possible that inside linebacker Drew Sanders (foot) and running back J.K. Dobbins (foot) come off injured reserve to play at some point later this season.

Nix vs. Mariota

Two former Oregon Ducks quarterbacks — Bo Nix and Marcus Mariota — are likely to meet Sunday.

Mariota is expected to start for the Commanders with Jayden Daniels still recovering from an elbow injury. Mariota played three seasons at Oregon and won the Heisman Trophy in 2012. Nix transferred from Auburn to Oregon in 2021 and finished third all time in program history for completions (658) and passing touchdowns (74).

“I knew Oregon football was big and knew it was a great destination because of guys like (Mariota),” Nix said Wednesday. “When I got there, he was out there for a few weeks at a time, training in the offseason. I got to talk with him and just catch up. He’s a great guy. Always asking about life, how it’s going, and all that kind of stuff. Just very humble for all that he’s done.”

Briefly

The Broncos have nominated safety Talanoa Hufanga for the 2025 Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award, the team announced Wednesday. The award “recognizes individuals around the league who exemplify outstanding sportsmanship,” according to an NFL news release. … There is a strong possibility of rain in the forecast in the Maryland area Sunday for Broncos-Commanders. Nix said: “Play the play as it is called in and do your best to handle the elements.” … More than 40 Broncos players, coaches and staff will participate in the NFL’s “My Cause My Cleats” initiative to raise awareness for various causes and nonprofits including: co-owner Greg Penner (girls high school flag football), defensive lineman Zach Allen (Shoulder Check), offensive tackle Garett Bolles (GB3 Foundation), outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper (American Heart Association), Quinn Meinerz (Everytown for Gun Safety) and Singleton (Special Olympics/Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation).