The Denver Broncos have to change their offseason practice plans because backup offensive lineman Nick Gargiulo is still not 100% healthy. The news came from reporter Chris Tomasson of The Denver Gazette, who shared an update on June 1.

“Source says #Broncos offensive lineman Nick Gargiulo won't be participating in spring drills while still rehabbing from a torn right ACL suffered in an Aug. 16, 2025, preseason game against Arizona. Broncos start OTAs on Tuesday.” Tomasson reported on X.

The Broncos boast a strong team, though injuries played a major role in their struggles last season. The 6-foot-5 and 310-pound offensive lineman tore his ACL during a warm-up game last August. Because of the knee injury, the 25-year-old missed all of last season and is still trying to get better.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, it usually takes six to nine months to recover from a torn ACL. However, for competitive athletes, the return timeline might be longer. So, Gargiulo was expected to be back in May. However, he has yet to be cleared in his recovery.

Denver drafted Gargiulo out of the South Carolina Gamecocks in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL draft. He spent his first year on the practice squad. Before he got hurt, he was trying to win a backup job where he could play both center and guard.

Reports suggest that since Gargiulo cannot practice right now, the Broncos will rely on their other available centers, such as starter Luke Wattenberg, main backup Alex Forsyth, and veteran Michael Deiter.

Gargiulo Expected to Stay With Broncos Despite 2026 Contract Year

The Denver Broncos have a low-risk financial decision on their hands regarding offensive lineman Gargiulo. Under his current two-year, $2.1 million deal, he only counts about $1 million against the team's total salary limit this year. 

Given his affordable contract, Denver is likely to retain him while he continues his recovery, provided his absence does not extend for an extended period.

This financial buffer is important because a health setback has paused Gargiulo's progress. Before the injury, NFL draft expert Lance Zierlein predicted that the young lineman would find a home in the league as a reliable backup, which is exactly the role he has filled in Denver so far. 

Reports from Heavy.com also suggest that the Broncos hold the upper hand regarding his future. He will be a restricted free agent after this season, giving Denver maximum control over where he plays. 

For Gargiulo, who has not yet had the chance to fully prove himself on an NFL field, staying put offers much-needed job security. He would likely prefer to stay with a team that knows him rather than testing a market where he has no leverage to ask for more money. 

What are your thoughts on the update on Gargiulo? Share your thoughts.

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Written by

Aaindri Thakuri

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar