Dalton Risner Injury News & Updates
Keep up with the latest injuries from the Ravens vs Bengals game on Sunday with our National Football League injury report.Nov 12, 2025
Past illness
Risner (illness) is practicing in full ahead of Sunday's game against the Steelers.
ANALYSIS
Risner missed the Bengals' previous two games before the Week 10 bye, but he appears to be past the illness. Risner had been starting at left guard for Cincinnati prior to his absence.
Nov 2, 2025
Not playing Week 9
Risner (illness) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Bears.
ANALYSIS
Risner was able to practice Friday in a limited capacity, but he'll be sidelined for Sunday's game due to an illness. The Bengals are on a bye Week 10, so he'll have extra time to recover ahead of Week 11 against the Steelers on Sunday, Nov. 16.
Oct 26, 2025
Unlikely to return Week 8
Risner (illness) is doubtful to return to Sunday's game against the Jets, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Risner was added to Sunday's injury report after falling under the weather. He was cleared to play after going through pregame warmups, but it appears he's unlikely to see the field unless the Bengals are in desperate need of help on the offensive line.
Oct 26, 2025
Active for Week 8
Risner is active for Sunday's game against the Jets.
ANALYSIS
Risner's status for Sunday came into question after he suffered an illness this week, but the 30-year-old guard is officially good to go. Risner served as a starting guard in Weeks 2, 3, 6, and 7, but is expected to fall back into a depth role Sunday behind Dylan Fairchild at left guard and Jalen Rivers at right guard.
Oct 26, 2025
Falls ill, iffy for Sunday
The Bengals added Risner to their injury report due to an illness and are listing him as questionable for Sunday's game against the Jets.
ANALYSIS
Risner had served as the Bengals' starting right guard for Weeks 2 and 3 and 6 before moving to left guard for the team's Week 7 win over the Steelers, but he had been expected to return to a depth role for Week 8 even before falling ill. Dylan Fairchild is expected to start at left guard Sunday, while Jalen Rivers gets the nod at right guard.
Sep 21, 2025
Dealing with calf injury
Risner is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Vikings due to a calf injury.
ANALYSIS
Risner likely picked up the injury during the first half of Sunday's contest. Rookie fifth-rounder Jalen Rivers has entered the game at right guard in Risner's absence.
Sep 10, 2025
Next man up
Risner played 36 snaps in Sunday's win over the Browns, filling in for the injured Lucas Patrick at right guard.
ANALYSIS
The former Viking Risner is now the Bengals' starting right guard, with Lucas Patrick on IR and Cordell Volson waived with an injury settlement.
Aug 19, 2025
Tries out with Bengals
Risner worked out with the Bengals on Tuesday, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Risner appeared in 10 games with the Vikings last season and is now looking to catch on with a new team before the upcoming campaign begins. The 30-year-old will wait to make a decision before signing as he also has an upcoming visit with the Seahawks and has interest from the Steelers as well.
Nov 3, 2024
Activated from IR
The Vikings activated Risner (back) from injured reserve Saturday, and he carries no injury designation into Sunday's game against the Colts.
ANALYSIS
Risner began the regular season on IR due to a back injury. His 21-day practice window opened Oct. 14, and the 2019 second-round pick will be available for Sunday's contest.
Oct 24, 2024
Won't play Thursday
Risner (back) has been ruled out ahead of Thursday's game against the Rams.
ANALYSIS
Risner has been on the Vikings' injured reserve since the end of training camp due to a back injury. His 21-day practice window opened Oct. 14, but the Vikings will play it safe and keep the 2019 second-round pick out of Thursday's contest. Risner's next chance at suiting up will be Week 9 against the Colts on Nov. 3.
Oct 23, 2024
Questionable for Week 8
Risner (back) is questionable to play in Thursday night's matchup with the Rams.
ANALYSIS
Risner has been back at practice for over a week after having his 21-day practice window opened Oct. 14. It is still uncertain if the offensive lineman will be able to go in Week 8, but he is clearly on the cusp of making his return to the field.
Oct 19, 2024
Won't return Week 7
Risner (back) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Lions, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Risner started the season on injured reserve due to a back injury, but his 21-day practice window opened Monday. He was a limited participant in all three practices this week, and although he won't return Sunday, he could be activated off IR ahead of the Vikings' Week 8 clash against the Rams on Thursday Night Football.
Oct 14, 2024
Designated to return
Risner (back) was designated to return from injured reserve Monday.
ANALYSIS
Risner has yet to play this season after sustaining a back injury that landed him on Minnesota's IR in late August. However, it appears the 29-year-old is nearing a return to the field and will now have 21 days to be activated to the Vikings' active roster before reverting to IR. Once fully recovered, expect Risner to serve as Minnesota's top right guard.
Sep 26, 2024
Making progress
Risner (back) was working in the weight room during practice Thursday, Andrew Krammer of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
ANALYSIS
Risner has been on IR since Aug. 28 and is eligible to return next week. He still can't practice with the team, but his ability to hit the weight room, despite the initial back injury, is a positive sign of his progress, and he could be designated to return ahead of the Vikings' Week 5 matchup with the Jets.
Aug 28, 2024
Earns return tag
Risner (undisclosed) was placed on injured reserve Tuesday with a designation to return, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM NFL Radio reports.
ANALYSIS
Risner will be forced to miss at least the first four weeks of the season, but he will have the opportunity to return for Week 5 against the Jets.
May 29, 2024
Returning to Minnesota
The Vikings are re-signing Risner to a one-year contract, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
Risner spent the first four seasons of his career with Denver before signing with Minnesota last September, and he eventually took over the starting role at left guard. Risner will presumably reprise that starting role in 2024.
Sep 18, 2023
Joining Vikings
Minnesota signed Risner on Monday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
After starting in 15 games for Denver in 2022, Risner will now get a chance to contribute with the Vikings in 2023. It's not clear yet in what capacity Minnesota intends to use him, but he should at least provide some depth to the interior of the offensive line.
Jul 31, 2023
Visits Minnesota
Risner (elbow) visited the Vikings on Monday, Mike Klis of 9News Denver reports.
ANALYSIS
Risner appears healthy ahead of the upcoming campaign after he went down with an elbow injury late last season. The 28-year-old will now look to catch on with a team after starting 15 games for the Broncos in 2022.
Jan 3, 2023
Moves to injured reserve
The Broncos placed Risner (elbow) on injured reserve Tuesday, Aric DiLalla of the team's official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Risner was forced out of Sunday's loss to the Chiefs with what has since been identified as a strained UCL in his left elbow. While Denver has already been eliminated from playoff contention, the 312-pounder's transition to the team's injured reserve essentially ends his 2022-23 campaign premature. Luke Wattenberg is now in line to start at left guard in the Broncos' regular-season finale versus the Chargers.
Jan 2, 2023
Unlikely to play Week 18
Risner suffered a strained UCL in his left elbow during Sunday's loss to the Chiefs and is expected to miss the regular-season finale against the Chargers, Mike Klis of 9News Denver reports.
ANALYSIS
Risner has started all but one game for the Broncos this season. With the left guard now likely to be ruled out at some point before Sunday's regular-season finale, Luke Wattenberg should be in line to start versus the Bolts.
Jan 1, 2023
Leaves with injury
Risner has exited Sunday's game against the Chiefs with an elbow injury.
ANALYSIS
Risner's absence will leave the team without their starting left guard. In his absence, Quinn Bailey has taken over at the position.
Dec 25, 2022
Good to go Sunday
Risner (foot) is active for Sunday's game against the Rams.
ANALYSIS
Risner, who originally entered the Christmas Day matchup versus Los Angeles with a questionable designation due to a foot injury, is now slated to continue operating as Denver's starting left guard in Week 16.
Dec 23, 2022
Back at practice Friday
Risner (foot) returned to practice Friday, Zac Stevens of TheDNVR.com reports.
ANALYSIS
After missing Thursday's practice session with a foot injury, Risner was back on the field Friday, making it likely that he'll be able to play Sunday versus the Broncos. If he is ultimately unable to go, Luke Wattenberg would start in his place at left guard.
Dec 18, 2022
Will be available vs. Cardinals
Risner (shoulder) is active for Sunday's game versus Arizona, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
After sitting out of Denver's loss versus Kansas City in Week 14, Risner appears poised to play in Week 15. He should start at left guard Sunday and give a boost to the Brett Rypien-led Broncos offense.
Dec 17, 2022
Could return for Week 15
Risner (shoulder/back) is questionable for Sunday's against the Cardinals.
ANALYSIS
Risner missed his first game of the season in Week 14 against the Chiefs. However, he practiced in limited fashion throughout the week and could return to his starting role at left guard against the Cardinals.
Dec 11, 2022
Sidelined for first time this year
Risner (shoulder) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Chiefs, Aric DiLalla of the team's official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Risner is now in line to miss his first game of the 2022-23 campaign as a result of a shoulder issue. Netane Muti appears like the likely candidate to fill the vacated left guard role this weekend.
Oct 17, 2022
Will play Monday
Risner (back) will play Monday against the Chargers.
ANALYSIS
Risner didn't practice Thursday or Friday, but he did get in a limited session Saturday. He should draw the start at left guard.
Oct 16, 2022
Chance to play Monday
Risner (back) is questionable for Monday's matchup against the Chargers.
ANALYSIS
Risner sat out practice Thursday and Friday due to back tightness, but he logged a limited session Saturday and still has a shot to play Monday. However, if he's sidelined, look for Graham Glasgow to replace him at left guard.
Oct 14, 2022
Still not practicing Friday
Risner (back) did not participate at practice Friday, and per Coach Nathaniel Hackett, his status for Monday's game at the Chargers is up in the air, Zac Stevens of TheDNVR.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Risner appears to be at serious risk of missing his first game action this season with back tightness. If he can't play in Week 6, Graham Glasgow would likely step in for him at guard.
Oct 13, 2022
Not practicing Thursday
Risner (back) won't practice Thursday, Zac Stevens of TheDNVR.com reports.
ANALYSIS
The severity of Risner's injury have yet to be determined, but his availability for Monday's game against the Chargers is now in jeopardy. If the 312-pounder is unable to suit up, Graham Glasgow would likely start at left guard for Denver in Week 6.
Jun 17, 2022
Earning praise from new coach
Risner (elbow) has earned high praise from new Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett during minicamp, Nick Kosmider of the Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Risner partially tore his UCL and ended last season on IR, but he appears to have moved past the issue and is playing well during minicamp. Now healthy, the 2019 second-round pick will look to reclaim his starting left guard spot during training camp.
Jan 6, 2022
Placed on IR
The Broncos placed Risner (elbow) on injured reserve Wednesday, Aric DiLalla of the team's official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Risner will not suit up for Week 18's season finale after suffering a partial UCL tear in his elbow. He should make a full recovery in time for the offseason program, while Netane Muti stands to fill in at guard during Saturday's finale against Kansas City.
Jan 3, 2022
Suffers partial UCL tear
Risner (elbow) suffered a partial UCL tear but won't require surgery, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
Risner suffered the injury Sunday against the Chargers and it was already reported Monday that he'd be out for the season. Rapoport's update though gives an official diagnosis, plus the news of a three-to-four week recovery time.
Jan 3, 2022
Won't return this season
Risner's season is over after he injured his elbow in Sunday's game against the Chargers, Zac Stevens of TheDNVR.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Risner got hurt early in Week 17, and it led to a premature end to his year. Netane Muti should play out the string in place of the 26-year-old.
Jan 2, 2022
Won't return Sunday
Risner (elbow) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's contest against the Chargers.
ANALYSIS
Risner suffered the elbow injury in the first quarter of Week 17. In his absence, Netane Muti is expected to take over at left guard for the remainder of the contest.
Jan 2, 2022
Questionable to return Sunday
Risner (elbow) is questionable to return Sunday against the Chargers.
ANALYSIS
Risner suffered the injury in the first quarter of Week 17. If he is unable to return, then Netane Muti is expected to take over at left guard for the remainder of the contest.
Dec 5, 2021
Active for SNF
Risner (back) is active for Sunday's game against Kansas City, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Risner sustained a back injury last week but underwent an MRI on Monday that didn't reveal any structural damage. As a result, he won't be forced to miss any additional game action.
Nov 29, 2021
MRI results are positive
Risner (back) had an MRI on Monday and the results were positive, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com.
ANALYSIS
Risner's MRI results revealed no structural damage, so that's a positive outcome for the offensive lineman. While the upcoming days will be key to determining his availability for the Week 13 matchup against the Chiefs, chances are he might be able to take the field if he manages to sneak a couple of practices between Tuesday and Friday.
Nov 28, 2021
Won't return Sunday
Risner (back) has been downgraded to out of Sunday's game against the Chargers.
ANALYSIS
Risner will likely go for further testing Monday, when more information about his recovery should be released. He'll hope to be back in uniform for Week 13 at Kansas City.
Nov 28, 2021
Leaves early Sunday
Risner (back) is questionable to return to Sunday's game with the Chargers, Troy Renck of Denver 7 News reports.
ANALYSIS
Risner's departure leaves the Broncos without their starting left guard. Netani Musi has taken over in the meantime.
Nov 14, 2021
Active Sunday
Risner is active to face the Eagles on Sunday, Zac Stevens of TheDNVR.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Risner has been a regular presence for the Broncos in the offensive line and will continue to handle the left guard spot.
Oct 9, 2021
Slated to return Sunday
Risner (ankle) will play Sunday against Pittsburgh, George Stoia III of The Denver Gazette reports.
ANALYSIS
Risner practiced as a full participant Friday, and he'll be back on the field Sunday following a one-game absence. The 26-year-old will presumably start at left guard.
Oct 3, 2021
Ankle keeps him out
Risner (ankle) will not play Sunday, as expected.
ANALYSIS
Risner leaves a hole open in the line for the Broncos on Sunday. Risner left early in Week 3 and was replaced by Quinn Meinerz. This could be a blow to the Broncos run game in their Week 4 matchup against a tough Ravens defense.
Oct 3, 2021
Not expected to play Sunday
Risner (ankle) is not expected to play in Sunday's contest against the Ravens, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
Risner suffered the injury during the third quarter of Week 3 and was replaced by rookie Quinn Meinerz. If the 26-year-old is unable to suit up in Week 4, Meinerz will likely draw his first career start at left guard.
Sep 26, 2021
Will undergo MRI Monday
Risner (foot) will undergo an MRI on Monday to determine the severity of his injury, Troy Renck of Denver 7 News reports.
ANALYSIS
Risner left Sunday's game against the Jets in the third quarter, but Monday's MRI will deliver a better idea of whether he can return for the upcoming matchup against the Ravens on Week 4. Rookie Quinn Meinerz is expected to be Risner's primary replacement if he's forced to miss additional time and already replaced him against New York this Sunday.
Sep 26, 2021
Not returning against Jets
Risner (foot) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Jets.
ANALYSIS
Risner was taken off the game with a foot injury in the third quarter and won't be returning to the contest, meaning rookie Quinn Meinerz will be the left guard the rest of the way. He could be in line for increased snaps next Sunday against the Ravens if Risner is unable to recover for that contest as well.
Sep 26, 2021
Questionable to return
Risner (foot) is questionable to return Sunday against the Jets.
ANALYSIS
Risner left the game midway through the third quarter, and it remains to be seen whether he'll be able to return to action. Rookie Quinn Meinerz is taking up his place at left guard in the meantime and should be the next man up if Risner is unable to return.
Jun 1, 2021
Back after clearing COVID protocols
Risner is back at practice after recovering from COVID-19, Troy Renck of Denver 7 News reports.
ANALYSIS
Risner missed all of practice last week after catching COVID-19 in between his two vaccine shots. He has cleared protocols and should be fine going forward. The third year offensive guard is expected to start on the Denver offensive line again next season.
Jan 3, 2021
Injures ankle Sunday
Risner was forced out of Sunday's game against the Raiders with an ankle injury, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Risner has started every game this season. Austin Schlottmann is expected to slot in at left guard if Risner can't return.
Oct 25, 2020
Ready to play Week 7
Risner (shoulder) is active for Sunday's game against the Chiefs, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
The 25-year-old underwent an MRI on his shoulder at the start of the week, but the injury won't impact his availability for Sunday's contest. Risner will slot into his usual spot at left guard for Denver.
Oct 21, 2020
Question mark for Sunday
Coach Vic Fangio said Risner (shoulder) is questionable to play in Sunday's game against the Chiefs, Zac Stevens of TheDNVR.com reports. "We're hopeful that he'll play, but it's questionable," Fangio said.
ANALYSIS
Risner under went an MRI on his injured shoulder Monday, as it appears there was not significant damage on the injury. Risner was forced out of last week's game against the Patriots, and if he's forced to miss more time, Austin Schlottmann is in line to take over left guard duties.
Oct 18, 2020
Set for more evaluation
Risner will undergo an MRI on his injured shoulder Monday, Troy Renck of Denver 7 News reports. "I am always optimistic. But it's too soon to tell (on diagnosis)," Risner said Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Risner suffered the injury in the second half of Sunday's win over the Patriots and failed to return. The hope is that the injury isn't serious, but expect the team to update Risner's status in the coming days. Austin Schlottmann took over at left guard Sunday, and he'd be the favorite to do so again should Risner miss anymore time.
Oct 18, 2020
Dealing with shoulder issue
Risner (shoulder) is questionable to return to Sunday's matchup against the Patriots, Patrick Smyth of the Broncos' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
The Broncos will be depleted on the offensive line so long as Risner is unavailable, though there remains a possibility he can relieve backup left guard Austin Schlottmann during the course of the second half. Denver's offensive line allowed two sacks on QB Drew Lock through the first three quarters of play Sunday, but also carved the way to 119 team rushing yards during that span.
Dec 25, 2019
Absent from injury report
Risner does not appear on Wednesday's injury report, Matt Kawahara of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.
ANALYSIS
An illness prevented Risner from playing during the second half of last Sunday's game against the Lions. However, his absence from the injury report suggests Risner is no longer under the weather.
Nov 1, 2019
Ready to go
Risner (lower leg) is absent from the injury report ahead of Sunday's game against the Browns.
ANALYSIS
Risner logged a full practice Friday and appears good to go Sunday assuming he avoids any setbacks. Austin Schlottmann would be next in line to fill in at left guard should he suffer any type of setback during the game.