The Denver Broncos have confirmed their inactive list for the AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots, offering a late snapshot of how both preparation and roster depth will shape Sunday’s title clash in Denver.
Announced just hours before kickoff, the list highlights a mix of depth pieces, rotational defenders and skill-position players who will not dress for the season’s biggest game, forcing subtle adjustments on both sides of the ball.
Here is the full inactive list released by the Denver Broncos ahead of the AFC Championship Game.
| Number | Player | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 11 | Troy Franklin | WR |
| 34 | JL Skinner | S |
| 47 | Karene Reid | ILB |
| 54 | Alex Forsyth | C |
| 83 | Michael Bandy | WR |
| 94 | Jordan Jackson | DL |
| 95 | Saivion Jones | DE |
👀 our inactives for #NEvsDEN.
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) January 25, 2026
📰 » https://t.co/CkxlpoDvKE pic.twitter.com/w9cOFeP17P
The most notable impacts come at wide receiver and along the defensive front. With Troy Franklin and Michael Bandy both inactive, Denver’s receiving rotation tightens, placing added importance on established targets and increasing the likelihood of heavier usage from tight ends and running backs in short-yardage situations.
Defensively, the absence of Jordan Jackson and Saivion Jones trims depth up front, an area that could matter late if the game turns into a physical battle in the trenches. The Broncos’ coaching staff has consistently emphasized rotation to maintain pressure, meaning snap distribution becomes more concentrated as the game wears on.
At linebacker and safety, Karene Reid and JL Skinner being sidelined limits flexibility in sub-packages, particularly against motion-heavy sets and play-action looks expected from the Patriots’ offense.
For New England, understanding these match-day absences is critical. Championship games are often decided on marginal edges — a missed rotation, a fatigued pass rusher, or a coverage mismatch exposed late in the fourth quarter.
The AFC Championship between the Broncos and the New England Patriots is set against a backdrop of high stakes, thin margins, and rosters trimmed to only those trusted for the biggest stage. As ever in January football, availability may prove just as decisive as talent.
The inactive list was officially released by the Broncos via their team announcement ahead of kickoff, with full confirmation available through the club’s official channels and the NFL game hub.
For ongoing AFC Championship coverage and live updates, fans can follow official game information via the NFL’s game centre.
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