Broncos, 49ers Hold Tension-Free Joint Practice in California

The Denver Broncos and San Francisco 49ers held a joint practice in Santa Clara, showcasing mutual respect and competitive spirit between the teams. Broncos quarterback Bo Nix, who had a stellar rookie season, demonstrated a sophisticated understanding of pre-snap reads and play adjustments, earning praise from 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and highlighting his growth under coach Sean Payton. The Broncos are optimistic about their progress, especially in the running game and red-zone execution, with Payton expressing confidence in the team's potential as a Super Bowl contender. Nix's leadership and playmaking ability have helped the Broncos snap an eight-year playoff drought and fuel hopes that the team could soon return to championship contention. Injuries affected some Broncos players during practice, but the offense showed improved chemistry, particularly in adapting to broken plays and extending opportunities in the pocket. Overall, the joint practice underscored the Broncos’ readiness to compete at a high level in the 2025 NFL season.