Broncos Tight End Evan Engram Struggles to Impact Game After Injury

DENVER, Colorado — After signing tight end Evan Engram to a two-year contract this spring, the Denver Broncos are still waiting for a return on their investment. Through the first four weeks of the NFL season, Engram has caught just eight passes for 62 yards.

Engram missed Week 3 due to a back injury, which slightly skews his numbers. Currently, he’s on track for just 34 receptions and 264 yards this season, indicative of a challenging integration into head coach Sean Payton’s offense.

“A lot of it is the script. There are times we definitely want to involve him, but we’re trying to win,” Payton said when discussing Engram’s role in the offense. “We’re not playing the fantasy game.”

Fans might empathize with Payton’s perspective, but they also recognize Engram hasn’t been impactful so far. Even though some contributing factors include his past injuries and quarterback Bo Nix‘s inconsistent performance, Engram’s veteran experience suggests he should be making a greater impact.

In Week 4, however, Engram showed glimpses of improvement, receiving a season-high seven targets and catching four passes for 29 yards. Payton seems to be actively looking to integrate him into the game plan.

The coach noted that he remembers instances where key players with the New Orleans Saints received fewer touches in critical games. “Some of it is how the game unfolds,” Payton stated. This highlights the unpredictability inherent in NFL games.

In light of Sutton facing double-team coverage in previous games, Payton’s offensive scheme needs to capitalize on these matchups, especially against opponents like the Philadelphia Eagles. Engram’s role could expand in upcoming games, benefiting from potential mismatches.

As Engram continues to adapt to his place within the team and shake off the effects of his injuries, all eyes will be on the Broncos to see if they can better utilize his talents. Fans hope for a more significant return on the tight end’s hefty contract soon.