Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton put any lingering injury concerns to rest on Thursday after missing three consecutive practices earlier in the week. Head coach Sean Payton confirmed that the veteran was not dealing with an injury and had taken part in the team’s walkthrough session that day.
Sutton, who earned his second Pro Bowl nod last season, sat out full practices on Tuesday and Wednesday before returning for the lighter walkthrough. The decision prompted questions about his availability as training camp progressed, but both the coach and the player made clear that rest, not injury, was the reason.
Speaking with reporters later Thursday, Sutton explained the approach.
“I had a lot of talks with the team – strength staff, trainers, coaches, whatnot – about what this plan was going into this part of the season,” Sutton said. “Last year, kind of got ran into the ground going into the end part of the season. And with us ultimately getting to where we want to get to, playing in February – it’s a long season ahead of us.”
He continued, emphasizing the goal of longevity.
“Just trying to make sure the body stays as fresh as possible, as long as possible. I know everybody gets all anxious and excited about ball is back. And we got opportunity to go see us run around and everything. Different narratives get thrown out, this and that.
“But like I said: I try to be a good soldier. Whether it’s something I want to do or not I just try to be a good soldiers so that at the end of the day I’m doing what’s best for the team and put myself into position to have a fresh body going into the long part of the season.”
When asked directly if he was healthy and free of injury, Sutton replied simply, “Indubitably.”
The part of Sutton’s comments that caught the attention of fans was him referring to himself as a “good soldier,” indicating a potential rift between the star pass-catcher and the coaching staff. Perhaps something went on behind closed doors.
At the very least, Sutton isn’t injured.
The 30-year-old remains a key piece of the receiving corps, and keeping him fresh early in camp could pay dividends later.
The rest appears calculated rather than reactive, a proactive step to avoid the wear that limited him toward the end of last season.
As camp continues, all eyes will stay on how Sutton integrates back into full sessions and builds chemistry with the offense under Payton’s direction.
