According to NFL Network's James Palmer, the Denver Broncos have placed veterans Aqib Talib and DeMarcus Ware on the non-football injury list as the team is hours away from the start of Training Camp.
Aqib Talib will start training camp on NFL Non-football injury list
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) July 27, 2016
John Elway said DeMarcus Ware is on NFL non-football injury list. Battled back issues throughout the offseason and during the season.
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) July 27, 2016
The NFI list is similar to the PUP but the difference between the two are that players on the NFI suffered an injury away from the team, whether it be working out on their own or something else. During training camp and the preseason, players are eligible to be activated at any point.
As we know, Talib suffered a gunshot wound to his right leg during the offseason and has spent the last month or so rehabbing that injury. It doesn't sound like Head Coach Gary Kubiak expects Talib to be missing too much time. He told reporters that he expects Talib to return "real soon".
As for Ware, he has been dealing with a back injury all offseason, so the Broncos will be taking it slow with their veteran pass rusher.
These two sitting out means someone will have to step up in their places. Looking for Kayvon Webster and Lorenzo Doss to step up for Talib while he sits out. Both are young guys and could use this opportunity to give themselves for playing time in the future.
As for Ware, look for 2015 first-round pick Shane Ray and Shaquil Barrett to step up while Ware sits and while the Broncos ease in Von Miller. This is a great opportunity for both players.
Kubiak did give an update on defensive end Kenny Anunike who the team placed on the PUP a few days back.
Kubiak on Anunike: "He's not quite there yet, but very, very close" in recovering from knee injury
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) July 27, 2016
According to Kubiak, Anunike is "very, very close" to returning. So hopefully we will see the explosive Anunike out there sooner rather than later.
These injuries to the veterans suck, but at the same time it gives valuable reps to young guys who may be the future of the Denver Broncos defense as early as this season or next season.