Led by quarterback Jalen Hurts and running back Saquon Barkley, the Philadelphia Eagles‘ balanced offense and strong defense will face the Denver team, which is coming off a dominant 28–3 win. While the undefeated Eagles (4-0) look to extend their streak as they host the Denver Broncos in Week 5, the latter will hope to avoid a loss to the defending champions. But, just ahead of the defense-heavy matchup, both ends took injury blows to their roster. Coach Sean Payton’s squad was the first.

Tight end Lucas Krull went down with an injury. As per the Denver Post’s Luca Evans, he suffered a fracture. MRI revealed a broken bone in his foot. The franchise had recently announced that place the player on short-term injured reserve. That means the player has to miss at least the next four games before becoming eligible to play in the league.

The sooner fans can hope to see him is the road game against the Houston Texans on November 11, 2025. While he is the no. 3 tight end, behind Evan Engram and Adam Trautman, Krull has been able to make his presence known. “He’s a guy [who has] now been in the league,” Payton said of the player back in August. “He’s not a rookie or a young player anymore, and he’s found some confidence. It’s been built, I always say this, with a series of plays. The first play that I can remember two years ago on a critical third down in L.A. against the Chargers. He broke a tackle, converted a first down to keep the drive going, and we needed it. So he’s stacked up a few of those plays. … He’s a good target down the field.”

After his brief stint with the New Orleans Saints in 2022, Krull joined the Broncos’ practice squad in 2023. Since then, he has appeared in 23 games for the team and notched up 29 catches for 262 yards and one touchdown. This is the third season with the team for the player, who is more mature now. In this season, he caught two passes for 15 yards across 53 offensive snaps.

Perhaps this is the reason why the coach seemed more confident about the player. “He’s not a rookie or a young player anymore, and he’s found some confidence,” the coach said. “It’s been built, I always say this, with a series of plays. The first play that I can remember two years ago on a critical third down in L.A. against the Chargers. He broke a tackle, converted a first down to keep the drive going and we needed it. So he’s stacked up a few of those plays. … He’s a good target down the field.”

Tight end Nate Adkins progressed through concussion protocol, advancing from DNP on Wednesday to limited Thursday before full Friday participation. Wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. battled hip and ankle issues with limited Wednesday-Thursday work but practiced fully Friday, suggesting he’ll play. Pass rusher Jonah Elliss dealt with ribs throughout the week, moving from limited to full participation.

Outside linebacker Nik Bonitto practiced fully all week despite a wrist issue. Linebacker Alex Singleton showed no limitations while managing a thumb problem. Guard Quinn Meinerz missed Thursday with an illness but returned for full Friday practice.

The Broncos’ remaining tight ends on the 53-man roster are Engram, Trautman, and Nate Adkins. And to fill the void left by Krull on the active roster, Denver promoted linebacker Garret Wallow from the practice squad.

As for Waller, he had already been promoted for three games this season, which is the limit for practice squad elevations in a single season, and now he will officially join the active roster permanently.

While the Philadelphia Eagles also have an uncertainty around tight end Grant Calcaterra, head coach Nick Sirianni also has many reasons to be happy ahead of Week 5.

Dallas Goedert back in action for Eagles

Philadelphia, the NFL’s hottest team right now, experienced a brief moment of concern when tight end Dallas Goedert appeared on the injury report on Wednesday, October 1st, with a knee issue. However, the scare proved fleeting as Goedert returned to practice the very next day, providing the Eagles with much-needed relief.

This is a good sign for the team’s depth and health as they prepare to face the Broncos. He missed Week 2 due to a knee injury. Through 3 games, he has played this season, his numbers aren’t that great, with just 12 catches for 114 yards and three touchdowns.

Now, Goedert wasn’t the only Eagle to return after missing Wednesday’s practice. Defensive tackle Jalen Carter dealt with a shoulder issue but advanced from limited Wednesday to full Thursday participation. Offensive tackle Lane Johnson followed the same progression with his shoulder problem, while cornerback Adoree’ Jackson‘s groin injury improved similarly. All three appear on track to play.

Linebacker Nakobe Dean remained limited both Wednesday and Thursday with a knee problem, creating some uncertainty about his game status depending on Friday’s practice report. Tight end Grant Calcaterra missed Wednesday’s practice due to illness, a non-injury-related absence that should resolve quickly.

Now, despite these minor injury concerns, the Eagles’ head coach, Nick Sirianni, will be happy to have a full squad at his disposal. Momentum hasn’t slowed. Philadelphia had a close call against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, nearly giving up its lead in the second half. Even so, the Eagles managed a 31-25 win and remain undefeated.

Looking ahead, the Eagles know they can’t afford another shaky second half. They’ll need a complete, focused effort as the Broncos won’t make it easy.