Broncos Tried to Sign Drew Brees After Bo Nix Injury Ahead of Chiefs Clash

The Denver Broncos have locked in their core leadership group for the 2026 campaign, naming nine captains ahead of their highly anticipated Week 3 Monday Night Football clash with the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. Quarterback Bo Nix, wide receiver Courtland Sutton, guard Quinn Meinerz, cornerback Pat Surtain II, linebacker Alex Singleton, safety Talanoa Hufanga, defensive tackle D.J. Jones, kicker Wil Lutz and long-time special-teams ace Brandon McManus will all wear the “C” this year, underscoring head coach Sean Payton’s emphasis on balanced leadership across offense, defense and special teams. Payton praised Nix’s “command of the huddle” after the former Oregon star threw five touchdowns with zero interceptions through the first two weeks, while veterans Sutton and Surtain continue to anchor their respective position groups. The decision to elevate Hufanga and Jones in just their second seasons in orange and blue highlights Denver’s youth movement on defense. Next up: a primetime litmus test against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. The Broncos travel to Kansas City on Monday, Sept. 14 for a 6:15 p.m. MT kickoff, a matchup that could swing early control of the AFC West. Denver snapped its long losing streak to Kansas City last December, and defensive coordinator Vance Joseph said the captains’ “all-gas-no-brakes” attitude has carried over into this week’s practices. Injury update: rookie edge rusher Jonah Elliss (ankle) returned to limited work Thursday, while left tackle Garett Bolles (shoulder) is on track to start. If Bolles can’t go, Payton hinted that swing tackle Isaiah Prince would get the nod, a scenario Nix called “business as usual” behind an offensive line that has allowed only two sacks so far. Key matchup to watch: Surtain versus Mahomes’ new top target Xavier Worth. The first-year Chief leads the NFL in yards after catch; Surtain leads all corners in passer rating allowed. Containing Worth on deep overs and quick screens will be critical to keeping Mahomes inside the pocket and forcing Kansas City to sustain long drives. What it means: With the captaincy set and momentum building, Denver has a chance to seize the national spotlight, move to 3-0 and prove its offseason overhaul was the right call. A win in Arrowhead would not only extend the Broncos’ perfect start but also give them a crucial divisional tiebreaker—fuel for a fan base hungry to see playoff football return to Mile High.