Denver Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. took a significant step toward returning from the foot injury that has sidelined him for the past two games.
The Denver Broncos could be getting an important piece of their offense and special teams back this week.
Wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. was a full participant in Wednesday's practice as the Broncos began preparations for Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers.
That's a significant step forward for Mims, who has missed Denver's past two games with a foot injury.
Mims was limited in all three practices last week and was listed as questionable heading into Sunday night's dramatic victory over the Los Angeles Rams. The Broncos ultimately made him inactive for the second straight week.
He took another step forward Wednesday.
Mims was one of three Broncos listed as full participants, along with wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and running back J.K. Dobbins.
The Broncos haven't officially cleared Mims to play Sunday. Still, his jump from limited throughout last week to full participation Wednesday is an encouraging sign he could be nearing a return.
Mims hasn't played since Denver's season-opening loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. He missed the Broncos' 20-13 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars the following week before sitting out again against Los Angeles.
His return would give the Broncos another weapon for quarterback Bo Nix and could also restore one of the NFL's more dangerous return specialists.
Mims established himself as one of the NFL's top return specialists early in his career, earning second-team All-Pro honors as a rookie in 2023 and first-team All-Pro honors in 2024. He led the NFL with 15.7 yards per punt return in 2024 and has returned both a kickoff and a punt for touchdowns during his career.
Denver has had to turn elsewhere in the return game during his absence.
Practice-squad receiver Kolbe Katsis handled the bulk of the work against the Rams, averaging 13 yards on three punt returns and 26.8 yards on four kickoff returns.
Mims' status should become clearer as the week progresses.
The Broncos will release another practice report Thursday before assigning game statuses Friday.
Denver enters Sunday's road game against San Francisco at 2-1 after rallying from a 16-point halftime deficit for a 30-26 victory over the Rams.
If Mims continues practicing without a setback, the Broncos could have another playmaker available as they try to win their third straight game.
