Broncos designate OT Mike McGlinchey, OLB Baron Browning to return from IR

ENGLEWOOD — Two starters to begin this Broncos season have been designated to return from short-term injured reserve.

Offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey and outside linebacker Baron Browning practiced Tuesday at Broncos Park. That opens their 21-day window in which they must be activated to play this season. The Broncos (3-3) face the Saints (2-4) on Thursday night in New Orleans.

McGlinchey suffered a knee injury in Week 2 against Pittsburgh. The starting right tackle was replaced by Alex Palczewski, who also went down with an ankle injury in Week 5 against Las Vegas. Swing tackle Matt Peart started last week in a home loss to the Chargers.

Browning endured a foot injury against the Raiders. He entered the year with 9.5 sacks over his last two seasons. The Broncos are still getting a strong pass rush minus Browning with 22 team sacks — second in the NFL — over their first six games. Nik Bonitto has started in Browning’s absence with rookie outside linebacker Jonah Elliss also being productive.

Cornerback Damarri Mathis (ankle) remains in his 21-day window to be activated from IR. Browning, McGlinchey and Palczewski were limited Tuesday in practice. Cornerback Pat Surtain (concussion) did not participate.

The Broncos also released inside linebacker Kristian Welch and defensive back Tanner McCalister.

Payton: Brees wanted Broncos for Saints HOF game

Coach Sean Payton makes his long-awaited return as a visiting head coach in New Orleans for Broncos-Saints on Thursday night.

Drew Brees, Payton’s former star quarterback, is also being inducted into the Saints Hall of Fame.

The timing is no coincidence. Payton explained after practice Tuesday at Broncos Park.

“(Brees) wanted it to be this game, and that means something. But the focus for us still and our team,” Payton said. “I told them this this morning: We’re in the business of collecting wins, and this is the next one we have to get.’ The preparation and all of it. Years later, we’ll be able to look back on it. But right now? Focused.”

Briefly

Payton reflected on his first season as Saints head coach in 2006 following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. He said: “We ended up in the NFC Championship Game in that first year, but it was more than that. It was just the recovery. We would fly home from regular-season games (and) there would be 1,000 people at the airport. None of us could have ever envisioned that.” … Wide receiver Courtland Sutton is happy with the progression of rookie quarterback Bo Nix. Sutton said: “It's been really exciting watching him continue to develop.” … Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (concussion) did not practice on Tuesday.