Broncos get two players returns in Week 16, including one who hasn't played in two years

Travis Wakeman

Broncos get two players returns in Week 16, including one who hasn't played in two years image

The Denver Broncos still have some injuries to work through, but at this juncture of the season, the team is healthier than most and only getting healthier. 

While reserve linebacker Justin Strnad has been ruled out for the team's Week 16 battle against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the offensive line will get a big boost as starting guard Ben Powers will be back. The team officially activated him from injured reserve on Saturday. 

Powers has been out since a biceps injury suffered against the Philadelphia Eagles back in Week 5. To that point, Powers had never missed a start for the team. 

It was expected that Powers would miss up to 12 weeks or so and that is right at about the time he is coming back. Head coach Sean Payton suggested that Powers will be on a snap count, so fans can expect to see Alex Palczewski, who has done a great job in Powers' absence, to split time with him. 

In addition to that, safety Delarrin Turner-Yell will also make his return. However, he has been out much longer than Powers. 

Turner-Yell tore his ACL in Week 17 of the 2023 season. He missed the entire 2024 season as a result and has been working his way back to returning to the field this year. He is finally ready to do that. 

Turner-Yell has not played in a game since New Year's Eve in 2023. The former fifth-round pick returns at a time when the Broncos could have some issues at the safety position after Brandon Jones was placed on injured reserve this week. He has 42 career tackles, mostly as a special teams guy. 

READ: 5 players who won't be back with the Broncos in 2026

The Broncos can now add Turner-Yell to a stable of reserve safeties that includes Devon Key and JL Skinner to help P.J. Locke play in relief of Jones. 

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Contributing Writer