Zach Allen 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 8, 2025
Extends sack streak Week 10
Allen recorded four tackles (one solo), including 1.0 sacks, and one pass defense during Denver's 10-7 win over Las Vegas on Thursday.
ANALYSIS
Allen got to Geno Smith on two separate occasions, with the former splitting sacks with Eyioma Uwazurike and Nik Bonitto in the first and second quarters, respectively. Allen has recorded at least 0.5 sacks in six consecutive games and is up to 6.0 sacks through 10 regular-season games, which is third most on the Broncos behind Bonitto (9.5) and Jonathon Cooper (7.5) and 11th most in the NFL.
Oct 30, 2025
Secures sack in win
Allen recorded 1.0 sacks in Sunday's 44-24 win over the Cowboys.
ANALYSIS
Allen was able to get to Dak Prescott in the fourth quarter, recording at least 0.5 sacks for the fourth straight game. The defensive lineman has now produced 19 total tackles (five solo), including 4.0 sacks, while also adding three passes defensed over eight games this season.
Oct 22, 2025
Impactful in Week 7 victory
Allen posted four tackles (one solo), including 0.5 sacks, and two defensed passes in a 33-32 win over the Giants on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Allen brought down the opposing quarterback for the third straight game when he notched an assisted sack of Jaxson Dart late in the fourth quarter. Allen also posted multiple defensed passes for the first time this season. The veteran defensive lineman has 18 tackles, including 4.0 sacks, and three defensed passes through seven games on the campaign.
Sep 9, 2025
Gets sack Sunday
Allen recorded one tackle (one solo) including 1.0 sacks during Sunday's 20-12 win versus the Titans.
ANALYSIS
Allen led Denver's defensive tackles in snaps (44) in Week 1, so it would almost have been disappointing if he didn't get to rookie quarterback Cam Ward on a day where his team recorded six sacks. He might spend more time filling gaps against the run when the Broncos travel to take on Indianapolis in Week 2.
Aug 2, 2025
Inks four-year extension
Allen signed a four-year, $102 million contract extension with the Broncos on Saturday, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
The deal includes $69.5 million guaranteed and makes him the NFL's third-highest paid interior defensive lineman behind Chris Jones and Milton Williams, per Chris Tomasson of The Denver Gazette. Allen logged a career-high 8.5 sacks in 16 regular-season games in 2024, and his contract extension ensures that he'll be part of the Broncos' long-term plans on defense.
Jan 22, 2025
Logs 8.5 sacks in 2024
Allen finished the 2024 regular season with 61 tackles (32 solo), including 8.5 sacks, and one pass defense across 16 games.
ANALYSIS
Allen logged career highs in tackles and sacks in 2024, and his sack count was third-highest on Denver behind Nik Bonitto (13.5) and Jonathon Cooper (10.5). Allen, Bonitto, Cooper and John Franklin-Myers played an integral role for a Broncos' pass rush that registered a league-best 63.0 sacks during the regular season. Allen's best performance of the season came in Week 17 against the Bengals, when he recorded 3.5 sacks and played a role in five of the Broncos' seven takedowns of Joe Burrow.
Dec 30, 2024
Career-best 3.5 sacks vs. Bengals
Allen logged seven tackles (two solo), including 3.5 sacks, during the Broncos' 30-24 overtime loss to the Bengals on Saturday.
ANALYSIS
Allen had a hand in five of the Broncos' seven sacks on quarterback Joe Burrow on Saturday, including back-to-back sacks during the Bengals' opening drive of overtime. Allen is now up to a career-best 8.5 sacks through 15 regular-season games, and he has a chance at reaching double digits for the first time in his NFL career against the Chiefs in Week 18.
Nov 28, 2024
Deemed full participant Thursday
Allen (heel) was estimated as a full participant in Thursday's practice walkthrough.
ANALYSIS
Allen missed Sunday's Week 12 game against Las Vegas due to a heel injury, but his estimated status Thursday makes it likely that he'll be able to return Monday against Cleveland. The defensive end has logged 5.0 sacks through 11 games, putting him a half-sack behind the career-high mark he established in 2022 with Arizona.
Nov 24, 2024
Inactive Sunday
Allen (heel) is inactive for Sunday's matchup with the Raiders.
ANALYSIS
The defensive end was a limited participant in Denver's Wednesday and Friday practice sessions. Allen has 42 tackles (24 solo), including 5.0 sacks, and a pass defensed on the year. Jordan Jackson and Eyioma Uwazurike should be in line to replace him.
Nov 22, 2024
Questionable for Week 12
Allen (heel) was a limited participant in Friday's practice and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Raiders.
ANALYSIS
Allen had his full practice Thursday sandwiched between limited practices Wednesday and Friday, and he drawn the questionable tag heading into Sunday's AFC West showdown. If Allen is unable to play, Jordan Jackson and Eyioma Uwazurike would see an uptick in snaps at defensive end alongside starter John Franklin-Myers. Through 11 regular-season games, Allen has logged 42 tackles (24 solo), including 5.0 sacks, and one pass defensed.
Oct 15, 2024
Four TFLs in loss to Chargers
Allen logged eight tackles (five solo), including 0.5 sacks and four TFLs, in Denver's loss to the Chargers on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Allen's tackles and TFLs marked new season-highs, and his half-sack gives Allen 3.5 through six contests. On the year, Allen has an NFL-best nine tackles for loss. Additionally, he's recorded 29 tackles (18 solo), including the 3.5 sacks, 13 QB hits and one safety. Allen has been one of the most disruptive defensive linemen in the league on a powerhouse Denver defense.
Oct 8, 2024
Picks up another sack in Week 5
Allen recorded seven tackles (five solo), including 1.0 sacks, in Denver's win over Las Vegas on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
One of the most disruptive down linemen in the league, Allen has at least 1.0 sacks in three of five games to open the year. In total, Allen has recorded 21 tackles (13 solo), including five TFLs and 3.0 sacks, and 12 QB hits. He also helped dump Zach Charbonnet for a safety in the Week 1 opener. Allen is on pace to blow past his previous single-season career high of 5.5 sacks.
Sep 17, 2024
Logs first sack of season Sunday
Allen finished Sunday's 13-6 loss to the Steelers with four tackles (two solo), including 1.0 sacks.
ANALYSIS
Allen got to Justin Fields for a one-yard sack late in the second quarter. Allen made life difficult for Fields, with the former registering four of the Broncos' six quarterback hits. Allen will look to make his presence felt in Week 3 against Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers.
Feb 13, 2024
Records five sacks in 2023
Allen recorded 60 tackles (27 solo), including five sacks, one pass defensed and one forced fumble in 17 contests during the 2023 season.
ANALYSIS
After signing a three-year contract with Denver last offseason, Allen proved to be an impact player with his opportunities. His 60 total tackles were a career high, and the 26-year-old defensive end played a key role in the Broncos' improving defense. Allen should continue to play an important part in Denver's defensive attack for the 2024 campaign.
Mar 13, 2023
Agrees to deal with Denver
Allen agreed to a three-year, $45.75 million contract with the Broncos on Monday, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
The contract won't become official until the new league year begins Wednesday, but Allen is scheduled to join Denver on a contract that includes $32.5 million guaranteed. He missed the final four games of the 2022 season with a hand injury but recorded 5.5 sacks for the Cardinals before then.
Jan 6, 2023
Unavailable for Week 18
Allen (hand) has been deemed out ahead of Sunday's game against the 49ers, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Allen will finish the 2022 campaign with four consecutive absences after sustaining a hand injury in the Week 14 loss to New England. Over 13 games, the fourth-year defensive end recorded 47 tackles, 5.5 sacks and eight passes defended, and he's now one of five Week 1 starting defenders either ruled out or on IR for the regular-season finale. In Allen's stead, expect Michael Dogbe and Manny Jones to continue playing increased roles opposite J.J. Watt.
Dec 30, 2022
Remains out Week 17
Allen (hand) will not suit up for Sunday's game versus the Falcons, Tyler Drake of ArizonaSports.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Allen will now miss his third game in a row due to a left-hand injury sustained against New England in Week 14. The 25-year-old defensive end also underwent surgery for this issue Dec. 14, and, with the Cardinals already eliminated from playoff contention, it's unclear if he'll return for the regular-season finale against San Francisco on Sunday, Jan. 8. With Allen still sidelined, expect Jonathan Ledbetter to once again step up into a starting role opposite J.J. Watt.
Dec 19, 2022
Won't return Week 16
Arizona coach Kliff Kingsbury said that Allen (hand) will not be back for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Allen was forced out with a left-hand injury during Arizona's Week 14 loss to the Patriots and underwent surgery Wednesday. While it's still unclear when, or if, the 25-year-old will return this season, it appears he'll remain out until at least Week 17 against Atlanta. As a result, expect the Cardinals to remain undermanned at defensive end behind J.J. Watt and Jonathan Ledbetter, the latter of whom stepped into a bigger role with Allen sidelined Week 15.
Dec 15, 2022
Underwent surgery
Allen had surgery on his injured left hand Wednesday, Jose M. Romero of azcentral.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Allen suffered the injury in Monday's loss to the Patriots, and he had already been ruled out for Week 15 against the Broncos. His status beyond Sunday is still yet to be determined, although considering the team has yet to put him IR, there still may be an expectation that he could return this season. While he is out, Jonathan Ledbetter will likely see a significant uptick in opportunities.
Dec 13, 2022
Will miss time
Allen (hand) will not play this week. according to head coach Kliff Kingsbury, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Allen suffered the injury in the second half of Monday's loss to the Patriots and was unable to return. The exact nature of the injury is still unknown, but it's clear that he'll miss at least Sunday's game against the Broncos. In his absence, Jonathan Ledbetter will be looking at increased opportunities.
Dec 12, 2022
Forced out Monday
Allen has been ruled out for the remainder of Monday's game against the Patriots with a hand injury, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Allen logged three tackles, including 1.5 sacks, before sustaining a hand injury in the second half. While the nature of this issue is still unclear, the 25-year-old was seen in street clothes with a cast on his left hand after returning from the locker room in the second half, according to Bo Brack of GoPHNX.com. Allen logged career highs sacks (4.5) and passes defended (seven) to go along with 45 tackles over the first 12 games of the season. in his absence, Jonathan Ledbetter will serve as the Cardinals' only available defensive end opposite J.J. Watt.
Dec 12, 2022
Ready to go Monday
Allen (illness) will be active for the Cardinals' Week 14 matchup with the Patriots on Monday Night Football, Jordan Schultz of TheScore.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Allen was added to the injury report Saturday with an illness, but it now appears as if the defensive end will be ready to go for Monday's contest. The 25-year-old has produced 45 tackles, including 4.5 sacks, while also deflecting seven passes over 12 games this season.
Dec 10, 2022
Added to injury report
Allen has been added to the Cardinals' injury report ahead of Monday's game against the Patriots due to an illness, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Allen missed Saturday's practice as a result of he illness. His status Monday will presumably depend on how he is feeling closer to kickoff. His backup, Jonathan Ledbetter (back) is also listed as questionable.
Nov 29, 2022
Reaches career-high in sacks
Allen recorded two tackles, one sack and one pass defended in Sunday's 25-25 loss to the Chargers.
ANALYSIS
Allen remained a steady presence along the Arizona defensive line and has played fewer than 75 percent of snaps in only one game on the campaign. His primary impact in Week 12 came when he brought down Justin Herbert in the fourth quarter for a three-yard loss early in the fourth quarter, helping to force a punt. Allen has 4.5 sacks on the season, 2.5 of which have come in his last four games.
Jul 28, 2022
Ready to return
Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury said Wednesday that Allen is ready to handle a full workload again after recovering from ankle surgery undergone in January, Jose M. Romero of the Arizona Republic reports.
ANALYSIS
Kingsbury added that Allen is running well, but that the defensive end may be utilized in different ways this preseason to ensure he remains healthy. The 24-year-old collected 48 tackles and four sacks over 15 games last year, and he figures to reprise a significant role on Arizona's defensive line this coming season.
Jun 6, 2022
Should be ready for training camp
Cardinals' head coach Kliff Kingsbury confirmed Monday that Allen will be "full go for training camp," Alex Weiner of Sports Illustrated reports.
ANALYSIS
Allen, who is recovering from ankle surgery undergone in January, was seen working to the side of Arizona's practice Monday and will likely continue to take things slow leading up to the team's training camp starting July 27. The third-year defensive end played 15 games last season while dealing with a lingering ankle issue, though these two missed games were due to his stay on the team's reserve/COVID-19 list. Allen has started 21 games over the past two seasons and figures to play a prominent role heading into the final year of his rookie contract with Arizona.
Jan 29, 2022
Undergoes ankle surgery
Allen recently had ankle surgery, per his Twitter account Friday.
ANALYSIS
Allen noted that he toughed out "a torn-up ankle" all season, but his two absences during the 2021 campaign were attributed to a stay on the reserve/COVID-19 list. The third-year pro had a career season, with 48 tackles, four sacks, four pass defenses, three fumble recoveries (including one for a touchdown) and one interception in 15 games. As he enters the final year of his rookie deal, Allen will look to set himself up for a nice payday with a productive 2022.
Oct 25, 2021
Activated off COVID-19 list
The Cardinals activated Allen (illness) off the COVID-19 list Monday, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official website reports.
ANALYSIS
Allen tested positive for the virus and missed two games while on the COVID-19 list. If the 24-year-old's conditioning is still up to par, he will likely make his return during Thursday's matchup with the Packers.
Oct 16, 2021
Tests positive for COVID-19
Allen tested positive for COVID-19 on Saturday, Aaron Wilson of Sportstalk 790 Houston reports.
ANALYSIS
Allen will be sidelined for Sunday's matchup against the Browns. Given that he has tested positive for the virus, he could also be in danger of missing the team's Week 7 matchup against Houston. Allen has recorded a total of 10 tackles across five games on the campaign.
Dec 21, 2020
Monster performance against Eagles
Allen posted 11 tackles and a sack in Sunday's 33-26 win over the Eagles.
ANALYSIS
Allen held down the edge in Week 14 against the Eagles' tandem of quarterback Jalen Hurts and tailback Miles Sanders. He piled up 11 stops as a result, shattering his previous career high of four tackles in a game. The second-year defensive end also notched his first sack since Week 1.
Nov 29, 2020
Returns from IR
Allen (ankle) was activated from injured reserve Saturday.
ANALYSIS
The 23-year-old landed on injured reserve with the ankle injury in late October, but he's back on the active roster in time for Week 12. Allen totaled 11 tackles and one sack in seven games before suffering the injury.
Nov 24, 2020
Designated to return
Allen (ankle) was designated to return from injured reserve Tuesday, opening the 21-day window for him to be activated, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Allen has missed the requisite amount of time on injured reserve and is eligible to return as soon as Sunday's game against the Patriots. The Cardinals could sorely use Allen back in the lineup, as defensive ends Jordan Phillips (hamstring) and Leki Fotu (ankle) have both gone to IR in the past two weeks. Allen should be an immediate starter once he returns to action.
Oct 27, 2020
Shifts to IR
The Cardinals placed Allen (ankle) on injured reserve Tuesday, Darren Urban of the team's official site reports.
ANALYSIS
The Cardinals believe Allen has a chance to return after a minimum three-week stint on IR, which would mean he could play Week 11 against the Seahawks -- a Thursday night contest. The 2019 third-round pick has started two games this year and maintains a consistent role on the team's defense, but until he returns to action, Leki Fotu, Jordan Phillips (hamstring) and Angelo Blackson should handle expanded roles.
Oct 25, 2020
Limps off early on SNF
Allen limped off the field and into the medical tent after sustaining a leg injury in the first quarter of Sunday's game against the Seahawks, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Urban adds that trainers were looking at Allen's ankle or knee following a non-contact injury. Allen's return should be considered questionable at this time, and Leki Fotu will likely slide into his spot at defensive end.
Jun 23, 2020
Likely to start in 2020
Allen (neck) is likely to be a starter at defensive end for Arizona in 2020, Darren Urban of the team's official site reports.
ANALYSIS
The 2019 third-round pick started one of four games to begin last season, but he missed the final 12 games of the year with the neck injury. Allen is eager to get back on the field after an offseason with no on-field activities due to the pandemic, and he's expected to fill a prominent role on Arizona's defensive line.
Sep 29, 2019
Done for day
Allen won't return to Sunday's game against the Seahawks due to a shoulder injury, Scott Bordow of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
It's unclear how the rookie picked up the injury, but as evidenced by this news, it will cost him the rest of Week 4. With Allen sidelined, look for Clinton McDonald and Johnathan Bullard to see an increase in reps for the remainder of the game. It's likely that the team provides an update on Allen's status following the game or in the coming days.
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