Nik Bonitto Misses Broncos Workouts Due to Surgery
Denver Broncos’ standout outside linebacker Nik Bonitto has been absent from practice this week due to surgery to remove a bone spur in his foot. Broncos coach Sean Payton confirmed that Bonitto underwent surgery and this has prevented him from participating in training camp practices for the last three days, including Thursday’s joint practice with the Arizona Cardinals.There was speculation about the absence of Bonitto, selected as a second-team All-Pro last season, related to potential issues in contract negotiations. Bonitto, who was third in the league in sacks last season with 13.5, is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in March. However, Bonitto has participated in the preseason, was present at training camp until this week, and played in the first preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers. In the Broncos’ 30-9 victory, Bonitto played 12 plays with the defense, where he almost single-handedly destabilized a 49ers series that included a sack and almost another one. Payton was asked on Thursday if Bonitto’s absence from practice this week was strictly due to an injury. It was then that Payton revealed that Bonitto had undergone surgery.“He had a small bump (bony) on the top of his foot… It was something we just did, we knew he would miss this week. He’ll be back next week”.
Sean Payton, Broncos coach
Bonitto was the Broncos’ second-round pick in the 2022 draft (64th overall) and set personal records last season in tackles (48), sacks (13.5), and quarterback hits (24), in addition to returning an interception and a fumble for touchdowns. Since the start of training camp, the Broncos have signed lucrative extensions with wide receiver Courtland Sutton and defensive end Zach Allen, and Payton has commented that Bonitto is also in talks with the team for a new deal. Additionally, on Thursday, Broncos left tackle Garett Bolles left practice due to what Payton described as an asthma attack, and tight end Nate Adkins underwent a “tightrope procedure” to repair an ankle injury and will miss several weeks.“It’s been fantastic… The days he’s missed have been because of this simple bony bump in a unique place on the top of the foot… It’s not weight-bearing… I think three points. The goal would be for him to return to practice and work in New Orleans (in the last preseason game next week)”.
Sean Payton, Broncos coach
