A smile replaced the frown on Greg Dulcich’s face as he looked towards the side field at the Denver Broncos’ training complex after Wednesday’s practice.
For the past two years, Dulcich has spent a lot of time on the side field, where injured players work out, as he worked to return from injuries.
Dulcich missed seven games in his rookie season of 2022 and played only parts of two games last year due to recurring hamstring injuries. He also hurt his foot while trying to come back from injured reserve in 2024.
This year, he missed all of the Broncos’ OTAs and minicamp.
So far, he has participated in all three ramp-up workouts and all five practices of training camp, showing both the skill that made him a third-round pick out of UCLA and a new approach that the team’s medical and training staff hope will keep him healthy.
“It’s been so nice getting to play football again, getting to be on the right field during practice with my teammates,” Dulcich said. “It’s been a lot of fun. It’s a blessing, for sure.”
Dulcich was expected to play a major role in coach Sean Payton’s offense last year, but he didn’t make it past halftime of the opener against Las Vegas or in his return at Kansas City in Week 6. When he was ready to come off IR again, a foot injury kept him out for the rest of the season.
While Dulcich was out, the Broncos started developing 6-6 tight end Lucas Krull, but Payton is cautiously optimistic about Dulcich taking on a key role again this season.
“I’m watching him make progress and encouraged by how he’s doing,” Payton said. “I see him and think, ‘Man, you’re looking good.’”
Payton said he only considers Dulcich’s injury history when planning practices, making sure to adjust his reps or give him a day off when needed.
