Nik Bonitto Injury News & Updates
Keep up with the latest injuries from the Broncos vs Commanders game on Nov 30, 2025 with our National Football League injury report.Nov 7, 2025
Adds to sack total in Week 10
Bonitto recorded five tackles (four solo), including 1.5 sacks, in Thursday's' 10-7 win over the Raiders.
ANALYSIS
Bonitto's 1.5 sacks against the Raiders were his first since Week 6. With his solid performance Thursday, the veteran linebacker has recorded 9.5 total sacks this season, good for the third-most in the league. In recent weeks, Bonitto had taken a step back from his dominant performances in the early part of the season, recording just four total tackles across the previous three games. However, the 26-year-old returned to form in Week 10, wreaking havoc in the Raiders' backfield throughout the contest. Bonitto should remain a solid IDP option when the Broncos host the Chiefs in Week 11.
Oct 30, 2025
Limited production in Week 8
Bonitto recorded one solo tackle in Sunday's 44-24 win over the Cowboys.
ANALYSIS
Bonitto was greatly limited for a second straight week, failing to secure a sack in consecutive games for the first time this year. The linebacker will to get back on track against a suspect offensive line in Houston in Week 9.
Oct 21, 2025
Locked down in Week 7 win
Bonitto recorded two tackles (one solo) in a 33-32 victory against the Giants on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Bonitto finished with a season-low mark in tackles and had a four-game streak of recording at least one sack snapped. Despite the quiet performance, Bonitto is still off to a fantastic start to the campaign with 8.0 sacks through seven contests.
Oct 14, 2025
Adds to sack total in Week 6 win
Bonitto tallied six tackles (three solo), including 1.0 sacks, during the Broncos' 13-11 win over the Jets on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
The Broncos took down Justin Fields for nine sacks during Sunday's victory in London, England. Bonitto split sacks with Zach Allen in the second and fourth quarters, which extended his sack streak to four games. Bonitto is up to a league-leading 8.0 sacks through six games and is well on pace to surpass his total from 2024 (13.5 sacks across 17 regular-season games).
Oct 6, 2025
Impressive in Week 5
Bonitto recorded four tackles (three solo), including 2.5 sacks in Sunday's 21-17 win over the Eagles.
ANALYSIS
With another dominant performance Sunday, Bonitto is now the league leader in sacks, recording seven total sacks through five games. The 26-year-old linebacker is a key part Denver's formidable defense that continues to make things difficult for opposing quarterbacks. Bonitto should continue to make a strong case for being a high-end IDP option when the Broncos visit the struggling Jets in Week 6.
Sep 30, 2025
Stays hot in Week 4
Bonitto recorded three tackles (two solo) including 1.5 sacks during Monday's 28-3 win versus the Bengals.
ANALYSIS
Bonitto posted a sack for the third time in the first four games of the season Monday, pushing his sack total on the year up to 4.5. He's easily on pace for his second straight double-digit sack season and is a compelling IDP consideration in leagues that give extra points for sacks.
Sep 22, 2025
Tallies two sacks vs. Bolts
Bonitto registered four tackles (three solo), including 2.0 sacks, during the Broncos' 23-20 loss to the Chargers on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Both of Bonitto's sacks on Justin Herbert resulted in eight-yard losses, and the former was responsible for five of the Broncos' 14 quarterback hits. Bonitto is up to 3.0 sacks on the season, which is tied for seventh most in the NFL and leads the Broncos. He'll look to add his sack total against the Bengals in Week 4.
Sep 9, 2025
Wreaks havoc in backfield Sunday
Bonitto recorded three tackles (three solo) including 1.0 sacks during Sunday's 20-12 win versus the Titans.
ANALYSIS
Denver recorded six sacks in Week 1, thanks in large part to the constant disruption Bonitto was able to cause. Based on how much time he spent near rookie quarterback Cam Ward, it's almost surprising he didn't get more sacks Sunday. He might not get quite as many opportunities to rush the passer in Week 2 against an Indianapolis team that will try to lean on the run game.
Sep 4, 2025
Signs massive four-year extension
Bonitto agreed to terms Thursday on a four-year, $120 million contract with the Broncos, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
Bonnito's deal makes him the highest-paid player in Denver's franchise history, other than quarterbacks, and reportedly includes $70 million guaranteed. It's a massive investment in the 2022 second-round pick, who in his first full year as a starter in 2024 suited up for all 17 regular-season games and totaled 48 tackles (33 solo) including 13.5 sacks, plus four pass breakups, one interception, two forced fumbles (one recovered) and two defensive touchdowns, earning Pro bowl and All-Pro honors. He's entrenched as both the leader of the Broncos' pass rush and as a high-end IDP fantasy asset for the long term.
Aug 20, 2025
Back at practice
Bonitto (foot) participated in Tuesday's training camp practice, Nick Kosmider of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Bonitto had a bone spur removed from his foot last week, ultimately forcing him to miss last week's practices and be sidelined for Denver's second preseason game against the Cardinals. Tuesday's practice marked his first time back with the team following the procedure. The 25-year-old is currently in negotiations with the Broncos for a contract extension. According to Kosmider, Bonitto said Tuesday there "has been good communication on both sides." Following up a season in which he posted a career high 13.5 sacks, the veteran linebacker should continue to be a key piece of a formidable defense in 2025.
Aug 14, 2025
Could be back next week
Bonitto (foot) will be sidelined for Saturday's preseason game against the Cardinals, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Head coach Sean Payton said Thursday that the team hopes Bonitto will be back at practice the following week after having a bone spur removed from his foot. Bonitto suited up for Denver's preseason opener against the 49ers this past Saturday, occupying his customary starting spot at linebacker.
Aug 11, 2025
One sack in win
Bonitto recorded a solo tackle, which was a sack, in Saturday's 30-9 preseason win over the 49ers.
ANALYSIS
Bonitto looked impressive in Denver's preseason opener, picking up where he left off from a stellar 2024 campaign in which he notched a career high 13.5 sacks. The 25-year-old linebacker was a disruptive force in his limited playing time, recording a sack and three quarterback hits during Denver's second defensive drive of the contest. If Saturday's game is any indication, Bonitto should continue to be one of the Broncos' most impactful defensive players heading into the 2025 season. The veteran should continue to play limited snaps as one of Denver's star defensive players when the Broncos host the Cardinals in Week 2 of the preseason.
Jan 22, 2025
Career year in 2024
Bonitto played in all 17 regular-season games in 2024 and finished with 48 tackles (33 solo), including 13.5 sacks, four pass defenses (including a pick-six), two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery that was returned for a touchdown.
ANALYSIS
The 2022 second-round pick out of Oklahoma led the Broncos with a career-high 13.5 sacks, which was third-most in the NFL behind Trey Hendrickson (17.5) and Myles Garrett (14.0). Bonitto hadn't scored a defensive touchdown in the first two years of his NFL career, but he had back-to-back defensive scores in Week 13 and Week 15. Bonitto's efforts in 2024 earned him a spot in the Pro Bowl and Second-Team All-Pro, and the 25-year-old edge rusher could be in line for a sizeable contract extension during the offseason.
Dec 17, 2024
Records another defensive TD in win
Bonitto recorded five tackles (three solo), including 0.5 sacks, in Denver's win over the Colts on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Bonitto also scored a defensive touchdown for the second straight game after he picked off a lateral on a trick play from the Colts and took it 50 yards to the house in the fourth quarter. On the season, Bonitto has 41 tackles (28 solo), including 11.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, one interception and one fumble recovery in what has been a breakout year for the third-year edge rusher.
Dec 3, 2024
Takes first career INT for pick-six
Bonitto record one tackle -- a sack -- and returned an interception for a touchdown in Monday's 41-32 Week 13 win against Cleveland.
ANALYSIS
Bonitto was quiet on the scoresheet until late in the second quarter, when he intercepted a Jameis Winston pass and took it 71 yards for a touchdown. That pick-six came on the budding star's first career interception. For good measure, Bonitto added to his big night with a sack of Winston early in the fourth period. He's up to 11.0 sacks on the campaign, second-most in the NFL.
Nov 18, 2024
Records two sacks in win
Bonitto finished with seven tackles (four solo), including 2.0 sacks, in Sunday's 38-6 win over the Falcons.
ANALYSIS
The outside linebacker also played on 69 percent of the defensive snaps. Bonitto is up to 9.0 sacks on the year, tied for the second-highest total in the league behind Trey Hendrickson's 11.5.
Jul 31, 2024
Returns to practice
Bonitto (back) returned to practice Wednesday, Ryan McFadden of The Denver Post reports.
ANALYSIS
Bonitto has been dealing with a back issue for the past week or so, but it now appears that he's moved past the injury. The 2022 second-round pick out of Oklahoma recorded 30 total tackles, including 8.0 sacks across 15 games in his sophomore campaign, and he's expected to remain an impactful edge rusher heading into 2024.
Jul 31, 2024
Returns to practice
Bonitto (back) returned to practice Wednesday, Ryan McFadden of The Denver Post reports.
ANALYSIS
Bonitto has been dealing with a back issue for the past week or so, but it now appears that he's moved past the injury. The 2022 second-round pick out of Oklahoma recorded 30 total tackles, including 8.0 sacks across 15 games in his sophomore campaign, and he's expected to remain an impactful edge rusher heading into 2024.
Jul 30, 2024
Expects to practice soon
Bonitto (back) is expected to return to practice soon, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Bonitto is still dealing with a back injury but is now expected to return to practice as soon as Wednesday. Once healthy, the 2022 second-round pick will look to build off his career-year last season when he recorded 8.0 sacks.
Jul 30, 2024
Expects to practice soon
Bonitto (back) is expected to return to practice soon, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Bonitto is still dealing with a back injury but is now expected to return to practice as soon as Wednesday. Once healthy, the 2022 second-round pick will look to build off his career-year last season when he recorded 8.0 sacks.
Jul 26, 2024
Expects to practice Saturday
Coach Sean Payton said that Bonitto should practice Saturday, Ryan McFadden of The Denver Post reports.
ANALYSIS
Bonitto left the Broncos' last game of their 2023 season early due to a calf injury, but it doesn't look like that will carry over to the new football year. Now he'll work to try to improve on the impressive benchmark (8.0 sacks) he set for himself last year.
Jan 15, 2024
Impressive in sophomore season
Bonitto (calf) recorded 30 tackles (23 solo), including eight sacks, two passes defensed and one forced fumble over 15 contests during the 2023 campaign.
ANALYSIS
Bonitto took a major step forward in his second season, recording the second-highest sack total (8) among Broncos defenders after recording just 1.5 sacks as a rookie. The 24-year-old linebacker also led Denver with 13 tackles for loss. Bonitto has proven to be a solid member of the Broncos improving defense and will look to continue to be a difference maker with the team as he is under contract through the 2025 season. The former second-round selection should continue to see his role grow in Denver in 2024.
Jan 7, 2024
Leaves game with calf injury
Bonitto (calf) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Raiders, Zac Stevens of TheDNVR.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Bonitto had one sack before sustaining the calf injury in the second quarter of Sunday's game. With Thomas Incoom (coach's decision) inactive, Ja'Quan McMillian is a candidate for snaps at weakside linebacker while Bonitto remains sidelined.
Dec 28, 2023
Looks good for Sunday
Bonitto (knee) was a full participant at practice Thursday.
ANALYSIS
Bonitto has been sidelined for Denver's last two games due to a knee injury he sustained in Week 14 at the Chargers, but he now appears to be in line to come back for Week 17. He projects to start on the edge versus a pass-heavy Chargers offense.
Dec 22, 2023
No go for Week 16
Bonitto (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's matchup with the Patriots, Zac Stevens of TheDNVR.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Bonitto will miss a second straight game due to a knee injury he suffered in Week 14 versus the Chargers. Jonathan Cooper and Thomas Incoom will likely see increased workloads again in Week 16 versus New England.
Dec 14, 2023
Out Saturday
Bonitto (knee) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Lions, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
The starting linebacker left Denver's Week 14 win over the Chargers in the first half and did not return. Bonitto has seven sacks, two passes defensed and a forced fumble in 2023. Jonathon Cooper replaced him last Sunday.
Dec 10, 2023
Won't return Week 14
Bonitto (knee) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Chargers, Nick Kosmider of The Athleticreports.
ANALYSIS
Bonitto was carted from the medical tent to the locker room in the first half of Sunday's game and will not return. He finishes with two tackles, including a shared sack, and Jonathon Cooper will remain at weakside linebacker for the rest of the contest.
Dec 10, 2023
Carted off vs. Los Angeles
Bonitto (knee) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Chargers, Chris Tomasson of The Denver Gazette reports.
ANALYSIS
Troy Renck of Denver 7 News notes that Bonitto threw his helmet off when he went down with the injury before being carted off to the locker room. He had two tackles, including a shared sack, before leaving Sunday's game. Jonathon Cooper figures to see more snaps at weakside linebacker with Bonitto off the field.
Nov 28, 2023
Notches 1.5 sacks in win
Bonitto recorded two tackles (one solo), including 1.5 sacks in Sunday's 29-12 win over the Browns.
ANALYSIS
Bonitto also added one pass defended and one tackle for loss in the contest. The veteran linebacker's 1.5 sacks were his first since Week 5, bringing his total to a team-high seven sacks for the season. Bonitto has the ability to be a playmaker for the Broncos' surging defense, and he'll look to build upon his impressive performance when the Broncos visit the Texans in Week 13.
Oct 10, 2023
Two sacks in loss
Bonitto recorded two sacks in Sunday's 31-21 loss to the Jets.
ANALYSIS
Bonitto's two solo sacks were his only tackles in the contest. Through five games, the 24-year-old linebacker has recorded 15 tackles (12 solo), 5.5 sacks and one forced fumble. Leading the Broncos in sacks, Bonitto is proving to be a difference-maker on Denver's defense. The veteran will look to continue to build off of this performance in Week 6, but his ability to get to the quarterback will be tested against Patrick Mahomes in a divisional matchup with the Chiefs.
Oct 2, 2023
Finds quarterback often in victory
Bonitto totaled four tackles (three solo), 2.5 sacks and one forced fumble in Sunday's 31-28 win over the Bears.
ANALYSIS
Bonitto spent the majority of his afternoon in the opponent's backfield and made a significant impact on the outcome of the contest by forcing a fumble in the fourth quarter that was scooped up for a 35-yard score. The former second-round pick sits with 13 tackles (10 solo), 3.5 sacks and one forced fumble through the first four games of the 2023 season.
Aug 21, 2023
One tackle in limited action
Bonitto recorded one tackle in Saturday's 21-20 loss to the 49ers.
ANALYSIS
Bonitto saw action in the Broncos' second preseason tilt after suffering a hip injury in Denver's first preseason contest against the Cardinals. The 23-year-old played on 48 percent of the team's defensive snaps and had a quiet performance. Now that he is healthy, Bonitto figures to play as a rotational linebacker for Denver in 2023.
Aug 12, 2023
Hurts hip Friday
Bonitto picked up a hip injury during Friday's preseason contest against the Cardinals, Zac Stevens of TheDNVR.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Prior to the injury, Bonitto recorded three tackles (one solo) and 0.5 sacks. There is now word yet on the severity of the injury. When healthy, he projects as a rotational linebacker for Denver this season.
Nov 13, 2022
Ready to go Sunday
Bonitto (illness) is active Sunday against the Titans.
ANALYSIS
Bonitto popped up on the team's injury report Friday after being a DNP due to the illness. However, it appears the rookie linebacker has recovered enough to take the field Sunday. His presence should be a boost to the team's linebacker corps.
Aug 28, 2022
Leads Denver in tackles
Bonitto recorded six tackles (four solo), two sacks and one forced fumble in Saturday's 23-13 win over the Vikings.
ANALYSIS
Bonitto led the Broncos in tackles and sacks Saturday. The rookie finished a strong performance in the contest with a strip-sack of Vikings' quarterback Kellen Mond late in the fourth quarter. The Broncos selected Bonitto in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, and so far, the 22-year-old linebacker is proving that Denver made the right choice. The rookie will likely play in a depth role to start the season, but could see his usage grow as part of a rotation if he continues to impress.
Apr 29, 2022
Rocky Mountain bound
The Broncos selected Bonitto in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, 64th overall.
ANALYSIS
Bonitto looks like a nice pick for the Broncos this late, because his production and athletic metrics grade similarly to players picked in the first round. The Oklahoma edge rusher posted seven sacks and 15 tackles for loss in 12 games last year, his third season as a starter for the Sooners. He also enjoyed a strong combine showing, logging a 4.54-second 40-yard dash at 6-foot-3, 248 pounds. He might be Denver's long-term replacement for Bradley Chubb if they choose to not re-sign him.
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