Broncos Safety Medically Cleared To Compete In Training Camp

Denver Broncos safety JL Skinner recently revealed that he played through a torn labrum last year, but he’s now been medically cleared to play in training camp after undergoing surgery, according to a report from Adam La Rose of ProFootballRumors .com via Parker Gabriel of the Denver Post. 

It’s a critical development in the context of Skinner’s career, as the 2026 season will be the final year of his rookie contract. The Broncos selected Skinner in the sixth round, but he was limited to just two games in 2023. 

He’s made 33 combined appearances in the last two seasons, almost exclusively on special teams. He’s logged 634 special teams snaps during that time, with 53 coming on defense, and according to La Rose he can expect that ration to continue this year. 

Skinner is considered a strong special teams player, but his path to a starting job is blocked by Talanoa Hufanga and Brandon Jones. The Boise State product needs another good showing on special teams along wtih another deep playoff run by the Broncos to make his case for a second contract come next spring.

The Broncos have managed their cap situation carefully, and they still have nearly $30 million in cap space available, La Rose added. Denver could easily afford to bring in competition for either the secondary or special teams as a result, but they should feel more comfortable about their situation given Skinner’s availability. 

Given his current status, though, Skinner could just as easily find himself in a position where he needs to move on after this year. Starting jobs are hard to come by in Denver, and there are at least a few situations around the league where he could legitimately in a position to competee for a starting job. 

Such is the life of a special teams maven like Skinner. Players in his position often find themselves shuttled on and off rosters, and it’s tough for them to land in a situation where they have an opportuniy that can lead to stability. 

One thing Skinner has going in his favor is that the Broncos know he’s willing to play hurt, and with a painful, debilitating injury at that. That’s something coach Sean Payton values, and so does defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, who places a high value on plug-and-play backups who can get the job done as the proverbial next man up. It remains to be seen if Skinner will be limited in training camp as he competes for his job.