Payton still expects Dulcich to play again this season

Sean Payton said Monday that he still expects tight end Greg Dulcich to play at some point in the final three weeks of the regular season.

The Broncos head coach said Dulcich’s absence from practice last Thursday and Saturday’s loss at the Detroit Lions was unrelated to a hamstring injury that led to two stints on injured reserve. The secondyear tight end was dealing with swelling and soreness in his foot after he was a full participant at Wednesday’s practice — his first day back from the IR.

“I’m anxious to see how he does this week,” Payton said.

With the Broncos needing to win out to have a good chance at the postseason, it’s essential that Denver gets Dulcich on the field for this final stretch. In his absence, the Broncos have struggled to generate production from tight ends Lucas Krull, Adam Trautman, Chris Manhertz and Nate Adkins. The group has a combined 31 catches for 290 yards.

Trautman is the only Bronco tight end with 10plus receptions. He has 20 catches for 174 and three touchdowns while averaging 8.7 yards per reception in 14 games (10 starts).

Dulcich has only played in two games in 2023, catching three passes for 25 yards.

PAYTON CHOOSES REST OVER PRACTICE >> The Broncos could’ve hit the practice field on Sunday or Monday but Payton decided to give the team a break.

The Broncos had Sunday off and will follow their usual weekly routine of rehab and meetings on Monday, off on Tuesday and start practicing Wednesday for Sunday night’s matchup against the New England Patriots.

“It made sense to me right now based on where we are at,” Payton said. “The rest was more important, especially coming off the night travel. I think all along I felt we were going to (give) them some time away.”