Bailey might end up being the big winner as he has stepped up with Singleton sidelined. And while Payton does not seem alarmed about the state of the LB room, the team did sign veteran Garret Wallow to shore up their depth. If all goes well -- knock on wood, as Payton said -- Greenlaw and Singleton will be ready for Week 1.

Singleton, a fellow veteran starter coming off a 2024 ACL tear, suffered a broken thumb on Monday that was expected to keep him sidelined for about a week. He underwent corrective surgery but, like Greenlaw, has since been seen at Broncos Park.

The "Joker' position has reached mythical status with Denver Broncos fans, but what it actually means is relatively simple, as Sean Payton explained on Friday.