Broncos defensive end Matt Henningsen ruled out for second consecutive season following Achilles tear
Denver Broncos defensive end Matt Henningsen has sustained a torn Achilles tendon during practice, a diagnosis that will sideline the 27-year-old for the entire 2026 NFL season.
The Denver Broncos have confirmed that defensive end Matt Henningsen has torn his Achilles tendon, a significant setback that removes the player from the roster for the 2026 season. The injury occurred during a practice session on Friday, marking a recurrence of the specific ailment that previously ended his campaign.
The incident took place exactly one year after Henningsen suffered a season-ending tear to his other Achilles tendon on 7 August 2025. That previous injury occurred during a joint practice with the San Francisco 49ers and cost him the entirety of the 2025 season. According to Mike Klis of 9News, the latest tear was confirmed hours after the practice session concluded.
Henningsen, 27, was carted off the field following the injury. Luca Evans of the Denver Post reported that the defensive end appeared visibly emotional as he was removed from the practice facility. The diagnosis effectively rules him out for a second consecutive year, compounding the challenges he has faced in establishing himself within the NFL.
The Broncos selected Henningsen in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of the University of Wisconsin. He showed promise in his early career, playing in all 17 games during both his rookie and sophomore seasons. Over those two years, he recorded 40 tackles, two tackles for loss, and one sack, earning a part-time role on both defence and special teams.
His trajectory shifted in 2024 when he spent the entire season on the Broncos’ practice squad without making any regular-season appearances. He had been battling for a roster spot ahead of the 2026 campaign before this latest injury interrupted his progress. His career totals now stand at 40 tackles, two tackles for loss, and one sack.
