ENGLEWOOD – The Broncos have touted their depth on defense and Sunday they will need it.

The Broncos on Friday ruled out linebacker Dre Greenlaw and defensive tackle Malcolm for the season opener against Tennessee at Empower Field at Mile High.

Greenlaw, projected to be a starter after signing as a free agent last March, suffered a quad injury in a July 31 practice and didn’t play in any of the three preseason games. Greenlaw, who declined comment Friday, missed practices throughout the week.

Roach, Denver’s top reserve on the defensive line, suffered a calf injury in Thursday’s practice.

Greenlaw is expected to be replaced in the lineup by Justin Strnad. With Roach out, Jordan Jackson and Eyioma Uwazurike are expected to get more snaps.

The Broncos also listed tight end Nate Adkins as out following recent ankle surgery. But it had been expected for several weeks he wouldn’t be ready for the opener.

Outside linebacker Dondrea Tillman, who suffered a hamstring injury in Thursday’s practice, was a full participant Friday and has no injury designation for Sunday. A source said Tillman suffered a “tweak” in the workout but felt better later on Thursday.

Strnad, who started eight games last season after Alex Singleton was lost for the season in Week 3 with a torn ACL, is confident about stepping in for Greenlaw.

“Coach (Sean Payton) always talks about everybody just be prepared whether you’re starting or not,” Strnad said after a practice at Broncos Park. “You got to prepare like you’re going to play.’’

For depth, the Broncos are expected to elevate linebacker Levelle Bailey from the practice squad. They also have undrafted rookie Karene Reid.

“If the opportunity presents itself, I’ll be ready,’’ Bailey said.

Bailey spent most of last season on the 53-man roster as an undrafted rookie. With the Broncos opting to keep Reid on the roster, Bailey was waived Aug. 26 and signed the next day to the practice squad.

“I wouldn’t say surprised,’’ Bailey said about the move. “I know it’s a business. I’m glad I got the opportunity that I did with (playing with starters) in the preseason. I’m just grateful to be here.”

Bailey told The Denver Gazette he turned down offers to join practice squads of San Francisco or Seattle.

“If it was going to be a practice squad, it was going to here for sure,’’ Bailey said.

On the defensive line, Jackson is eager to show the depth Denver has.

“It’s always tough having somebody like Roach out,’’ he said. “He’s a big part of the defense and the defensive line. But I think the good thing about our room is we have so many players that it’s easy to plug and play.”

McMillian beats out Barron

Ja’Quan McMillian told The Denver Gazette he will be Denver’s primary nickel back Sunday.

McMillian has had that role for the previous two years but faced a challenge in training camp and the preseason from Jahdae Barron, taken No. 20 in last April’s draft.

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“I feel the same way I always been feeling,’’ McMillian said. “I just go out there and play and compete. … It’s all about competition. It brings the best out of everybody.”

Barron is expected to play Sunday in some defensive packages.

Jones honored to be captain

For the first time in his nine-year NFL career, nose tackle is D.J. Jones is a team captain.

“It’s a blessing,’’ he said. “It’s an honor.”

Payton announced Denver’s eight captains Wednesday based on a vote by players.

“I won’t change who I am just being a captain,’ said Jones, who played with the 49ers from 2017-21 before joining the Broncos in 2022. “That’s why they made me a captain. There’s no need to change.”

So Jones, known for leading by example, doesn’t plan to be more vocal?

“That wasn’t my role from the jump, but if I’m thrust into that role, of course I will,’’ he said. “But that wasn’t me before so I won’t do that now.”

Skinner excited about gunner role

Safety JL Skinner said he and wide receiver Trent Sherfield will be Denver’s gunners on special teams to start the season.

Skinner got plenty of tips the past two years from cornerback and gunner Tremon Smith, who left Denver as a free agent last March to sign with Houston.

“I’m glad I was able to learn from Tremon,’’ he said. “I still text him about some things whenever I have a question about that position. I’m going to try to match how he did and maybe try to do a little better than he did.”

Prentice on Payton

Fullback Adam Prentice is expected to be Denver’s other allowed elevation from the practice squad for Sunday’s game.

Prentice was reunited three weeks ago with Payton, who was his New Orleans coach when he was a rookie in 2021.

“(He’s the) same guy, same hunger and desire to win and same high standards, which is great,’’ said Prentice, who played for the Saints through 2024

Briefly

Payton changed the practice schedule Friday by not having offensive linemen, defensive linemen and outside linebackers work on the field at the start of practice. He said the players had “40 minutes of recovery” during practice, which included time in hot and cold tubs. Payton said he had been talking to offensive line coach Zach Strief about doing that for a few years and that the Broncos expect to continue that schedule for Friday practices. … Safety Talanoa Hufanga, signed as a free agent last March, is looking forward to his Broncos regular-season debut. “It’s going to be a super opportunity,’’ he said. “Everybody on the defense tells me it gets really loud in there.” … Payton was “excited” to see Nik Bonitto on Thursday sign a four-year, $106 million contract extension. “I’ve seen him grow just as a leader, maturity,’’ Payton said of the fourth-year outside linebacker.