Broncos DE Henningsen Tears Other Achilles, Out for Season
Edited by Casualplayhub News Editorial. Source: Yard Barker. Casualplayhub News adds summary, context, and editorial framing while linking back to the original report.
For the second time in 12 months, Denver Broncos defensive end Matt Henningsen has suffered a season-ending Achilles tear, this time in his other leg. The injury occurred during practice on Friday, almost exactly one year after he tore his left Achilles on August 10, 2025, as reported by Mike Klis of 9News. The 27-year-old left the field on a cart, and the team later confirmed the tear, ending his 2026 campaign before it could begin.
Henningsen had been turning heads in training camp this summer, showing the kind of burst and technique that had made him a reliable rotational piece earlier in his career. Klis noted that the defensive lineman performed well when healthy, which makes the setback particularly cruel. Now, instead of competing for a spot on the active roster, Henningsen faces another grueling rehabilitation process, one that will likely extend well into next year.
The former Wisconsin Badger entered the NFL as a sixth-round pick in the 2022 draft. He wasted no time making an impact, appearing in all 17 games as a rookie. During that debut season, he played 20 percent of defensive snaps, tallying 21 tackles and one sack. He was even more active on special teams, logging a 40.2 percent snap share. His consistency continued into 2023, Sean Payton’s first season as head coach. Henningsen again dressed for every game, playing roughly 20 percent of defensive snaps and 40 percent on special teams. He recorded 19 tackles and deflected two passes, proving himself as dependable depth.
But the 2024 season marked a turning point. After the Broncos waived him in late August, Henningsen spent the entire year on the practice squad, never seeing game action. Now, with a second consecutive serious injury, he will go a third straight season without playing a meaningful snap. The 6-foot-3, 291-pound defensive end is on track to become a free agent next offseason, which adds another layer of uncertainty to his future.
Achilles tears are among the most difficult injuries for NFL players to overcome, especially when they occur in both legs. The recovery timeline typically spans 9 to 12 months, and the risk of re-injury or diminished performance is significant. For Henningsen, who has already proven he can contribute when healthy, the question now is whether any team will be willing to invest in a player coming off back-to-back Achilles tears. The Broncos, who have already reshuffled their defensive line depth, may move on entirely.
This story originally appeared on Pro Football Rumors and was syndicated with permission. It highlights the brutal reality of professional sports, where a player’s career can be derailed by two freak injuries in the span of a year. Henningsen’s resilience will be tested once again, but the road back to the field has never looked steeper.
Article commentary
Matt Henningsen’s second Achilles tear in consecutive seasons is a career-altering blow. While the NFL has seen players return from a single Achilles injury, suffering one on each leg within a year is exceptionally rare and devastating. The timing is especially cruel given his strong camp performance and impending free agency. For the Broncos, this likely closes the door on a depth piece they had hoped would contribute. The broader takeaway: the physical toll of the game can erase a promising trajectory in an instant. Henningsen’s path forward requires not only medical recovery but also the willingness of a team to gamble on a player with two catastrophic lower-body injuries.