Denver Broncos defensive lineman Matt Henningsen has sustained a torn Achilles tendon for the second time in 12 months. The injury occurred during individual drills at practice on Friday, and Henningsen was seen being carted off the field. The severity of the injury was later confirmed as a torn Achilles tendon.
This incident marks a heartbreaking recurrence for the 27-year-old, as Friday was precisely one year removed from when he ruptured his other Achilles tendon. That previous injury, sustained during a joint practice with the San Francisco 49ers, led to him missing the entirety of the 2024 season.
Henningsen was drafted by the Broncos in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Wisconsin. He played in every game during his first two professional seasons. However, he spent the entire 2024 season on the team's practice squad.
Broncos coach Sean Payton had previously expressed approval of Henningsen's rehabilitation efforts and his performance during offseason activities. Payton was not present at Friday's practice as he was in Ohio to induct Drew Brees into the Hall of Fame.
Another injury concern emerged from the same practice session. Wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. pulled up while running a route, appearing to grab his upper left leg. Mims Jr. was observed throwing his helmet on the turf and speaking with a trainer before heading into the facility.