In the first six weeks this season, Nik Bonitto recorded a pressure rate of 11.2%, ranking 33rd of 58 edge rushers with 100+ pass rushes.

Records another defensive TD in win

Bonitto recorded five tackles (three solo), including 0.5 sacks, in Denver's win over the Colts on Sunday.

Analysis: Bonitto also scored a defensive touchdown for the second straight game after he picked off a lateral on a trick play from the Colts and took it 50 yards to the house in the fourth quarter. On the season, Bonitto has 41 tackles (28 solo), including 11.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, one interception and one fumble recovery in what has been a breakout year for the third-year edge rusher.

Takes first career INT for pick-six

Bonitto record one tackle -- a sack -- and returned an interception for a touchdown in Monday's 41-32 Week 13 win against Cleveland.

Analysis: Bonitto was quiet on the scoresheet until late in the second quarter, when he intercepted a Jameis Winston pass and took it 71 yards for a touchdown. That pick-six came on the budding star's first career interception. For good measure, Bonitto added to his big night with a sack of Winston early in the fourth period. He's up to 11.0 sacks on the campaign, second-most in the NFL.

Records pair of sacks in win

Bonitto finished with seven tackles (four solo), including 2.0 sacks, in Sunday's 38-6 win over the Falcons.

Analysis: The outside linebacker also played on 69 percent of the defensive snaps. Bonitto is up to 9.0 sacks on the year, tied for the second-highest total in the league behind Trey Hendrickson's 11.5.

Returns to practice

Bonitto (back) returned to practice Wednesday, Ryan McFadden of The Denver Post reports.

Analysis: Bonitto has been dealing with a back issue for the past week or so, but it now appears that he's moved past the injury. The 2022 second-round pick out of Oklahoma recorded 30 total tackles, including 8.0 sacks across 15 games in his sophomore campaign, and he's expected to remain an impactful edge rusher heading into 2024.

Expects to practice soon

Bonitto (back) is expected to return to practice soon, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

Analysis: Bonitto is still dealing with a back injury but is now expected to return to practice as soon as Wednesday. Once healthy, the 2022 second-round pick will look to build off his career-year last season when he recorded 8.0 sacks.

Expects to practice Saturday

Coach Sean Payton said that Bonitto should practice Saturday, Ryan McFadden of The Denver Post reports.

Analysis: Bonitto left the Broncos' last game of their 2023 season early due to a calf injury, but it doesn't look like that will carry over to the new football year. Now he'll work to try to improve on the impressive benchmark (8.0 sacks) he set for himself last year.

Impressive in sophomore season

Bonitto (calf) recorded 30 tackles (23 solo), including eight sacks, two passes defensed and one forced fumble over 15 contests during the 2023 campaign.

Analysis: Bonitto took a major step forward in his second season, recording the second-highest sack total (eight) among Broncos defenders after recording just 1.5 sacks as a rookie. The 24-year-old linebacker also led Denver with 13 total tackles for loss. Bonitto has proven to be a solid member of the Broncos improving defense and will look to continue to make an impact with the team, as he is under contract through the 2025 season. The one-time second-round selection should continue to see his role…read more

Leaves game with calf injury

Bonitto (calf) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Raiders, Zac Stevens of TheDNVR.com reports.

Analysis: Bonitto had one sack before sustaining the calf injury in the second quarter of Sunday's game. With Thomas Incoom (coach's decision) inactive, Ja'Quan McMillian is a candidate for snaps at weakside linebacker while Bonitto remains sidelined.

Looks good for Sunday

Bonitto (knee) was a full participant at practice Thursday.

Analysis: Bonitto has been sidelined for Denver's last two games due to a knee injury he sustained in Week 14 at the Chargers, but he now appears to be in line to come back for Week 17. He projects to start on the edge versus a pass-heavy Chargers offense.

No-go for Week 16

Bonitto (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's matchup with the Patriots, Zac Stevens of TheDNVR.com reports.

Analysis: Bonitto will miss a second straight game due to a knee injury he suffered Week 14 against the Chargers. Jonathan Cooper and Thomas Incoom will likely see increased workloads again Week 16 versus New England.

Out Saturday

Bonitto (knee) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Lions, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

Analysis: The starting linebacker left Denver's Week 14 win over the Chargers in the first half and did not return. Bonitto has seven sacks, two passes defensed and a forced fumble in 2023. Jonathon Cooper replaced Bonitto after his exit Sunday and could be in line to fill in again versus Detroit.

Won't return Week 14

Bonitto (knee) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Chargers, Nick Kosmider of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: Bonitto was carted from the medical tent to the locker room in the first half of Sunday's game and will not return. He finishes with two tackles, including a shared sack, and Jonathon Cooper will remain at weakside linebacker for the rest of the contest.

Carted off vs. Los Angeles

Bonitto (knee) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Chargers, Chris Tomasson of The Denver Gazette reports.

Analysis: Troy Renck of Denver 7 News notes that Bonitto threw his helmet off when he went down with the injury before being carted off to the locker room. He had two tackles, including a shared sack, before leaving Sunday's game. Jonathon Cooper figures to see more snaps at weakside linebacker with Bonitto off the field.

Notches 1.5 sacks in win

Bonitto recorded two tackles (one solo), including 1.5 sacks in Sunday's 29-12 win over the Browns.

Analysis: Bonitto also added one pass defended and one tackle for loss in the contest. The veteran linebacker's 1.5 sacks were his first since Week 5, bringing his total to a team-high seven sacks for the season. Bonitto has the ability to be a playmaker for the Broncos' surging defense, and he'll look to build upon his impressive performance when the Broncos visit the Texans in Week 13.

Two sacks in loss

Bonitto recorded two sacks in Sunday's 31-21 loss to the Jets.

Analysis: Bonitto's two solo sacks were his only tackles in the contest. Through five games, the 24-year-old linebacker has recorded 15 tackles (12 solo), 5.5 sacks and one forced fumble. Leading the Broncos in sacks, Bonitto is proving to be a difference-maker on Denver's defense. The veteran will look to continue to build off of this performance in Week 6, but his ability to get to the quarterback will be tested against Patrick Mahomes in a divisional matchup with the Chiefs.

Finds quarterback often in victory

Bonitto totaled four tackles (three solo), including 2.5 sacks, and one forced fumble in Sunday's 31-28 win over the Bears.

Analysis: Bonitto spent the majority of his afternoon in the opponent's backfield and made a significant impact on the outcome of the contest by forcing a fumble in the fourth quarter that was scooped up for a 35-yard score. The one-time second-round pick sits with 13 tackles (10 solo), including 3.5 sacks, and one forced fumble through the first four games of the 2023 season.

One tackle in limited action

Bonitto recorded one tackle in Saturday's 21-20 loss to the 49ers.

Analysis: Bonitto saw action in the Broncos' second preseason tilt after suffering a hip injury in Denver's first preseason contest against the Cardinals. The 23-year-old played on 48 percent of the team's defensive snaps and had a quiet performance. Now that he is healthy, Bonitto figures to play as a rotational linebacker for Denver in 2023.

Hurts hip Friday

Bonitto picked up a hip injury during Friday's preseason contest against the Cardinals, Zac Stevens of TheDNVR.com reports.

Analysis: Prior to the injury, Bonitto recorded three tackles (one solo) and 0.5 sacks. There is no word yet on the severity of the injury. When healthy, he projects as a rotational linebacker for Denver this season.

Ready to go Sunday

Bonitto (illness) is active Sunday against the Titans.

Analysis: Bonitto popped up on the team's injury report Friday after being a DNP due to the illness. However, it appears the rookie linebacker has recovered enough to take the field Sunday. His presence should be a boost to the team's linebacker corps.