The Denver Broncos might get some good news on the injury front this week.
Broncos safety P.J. Locke (leg), offensive tackle Alex Palczewski (hand) and cornerback K’Waun Williams (ankle) have all spent four weeks on injured reserve and are now eligible to return to the 53-man roster.
While the players are eligible, it remains to be seen if they are healthy enough to return to play. Denver is not required to activate them.
Williams, in particular, was given a recovery timeline of 6-8 weeks at the end of August, so he might need more time.
Locke’s potential return could provide a big boost in the secondary. The Broncos have greatly missed Justin Simmons (hip) the last two weeks and even if Simmons returns in Week 5, Locke can provide valuable depth.
Denver outside linebacker Baron Browning (knee) is also eligible to return from the reserve/physically unable to perform list as early as this week. Broncos tight end Greg Dulcich (hamstring) will be eligible to return in Week 6.
Players who went on IR before the 53-man roster was set — WR Tim Patrick (Achilles), ILB Jonas Griffith (ACL) and WR Jalen Virgil (meniscus) — are not eligible to return to the active roster this season.