The Denver Broncos’ tight end room has hit its first unexpected bump of the summer. Second-year tight end Caleb Lohner is set to miss the remainder of the team's organized team activities (OTAs) and the upcoming mandatory minicamp.

The news broke Sunday when 9NEWS reporter Mike Klis shared an update via his X account:

“Per source, #Broncos TE Caleb Lohner will miss the next two weeks of OTAs/minicamp as he had routine lower-body cleanup procedure this offseason. Lohner expected to be full-go by training camp,” Klis reported.

The exact details of his procedure haven’t been stated publicly. Fortunately for Denver, the setback does not appear to be a long-term issue. The young tight end is fully expected to heal and be cleared in the next two weeks by the time the team reports for training camp in late July.  

Lohner, a former college basketball standout, was selected by Denver in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft out of Utah.

He spent his entire rookie season developing on the practice squad, adjusting to the immense physical and mental demands of professional football. 

Payton has been incredibly vocal about Lohner's dramatic physical transformation and work ethic over the past year. 

"[O]ne year into the program, and how he’s moving, what he’s doing, everything looks entirely different," Payton said, according to SI.com. "That learning curve and growth curve was greater for someone who had far less experience, maybe, than others, if that makes sense. It’s entirely noticeable, and he’s in great shape. You see his athleticism." 

With Lohner sidelined for rehab, the Broncos will lean on their remaining tight ends to handle the extra reps for the rest of minicamp. The TEs on the roster include Evan Engram, Adam Trautman, Justin Joly, Nate Adkins, Dallen Bentley, and Lucas Krull. 

Can Caleb Lohner’s Time On The Sidelines Work Against Him?

The clock is ticking for Denver Broncos tight end Caleb Lohner. According to Broncos Wire, the team was highly disappointed with starter Evan Engram’s performance last season, where he finished with just 50 receptions and one touchdown.

To fix the issue, Denver selected two tight ends in the 2026 NFL Draft: fourth-rounder Justin Joly and seventh-rounder Dallen Bentley. Joly, a physical receiver from NC State, is already generating buzz.

“The Broncos moved up 18 spots in the fifth round to snag Joly, who is pro-ready as a receiver at the position,” ESPN’s Jeff Legwold said. 

Missing this valuable time for Lohner couldn't come at a worse moment, as Denver's tight end room is getting crowded. Returning after two weeks, Lohner will have to prepare to face an uphill battle to secure his roster spot. 

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Written by

Aaindri Thakuri

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote