Broncos reserve linebacker Levelle Bailey suffers broken lower leg, expected to miss extensive time

The Denver Broncos’ preseason plans took a serious hit on Friday when reserve linebacker Levelle Bailey suffered a broken lower leg against the Atlanta Falcons, a development first reported by 9NEWS Denver’s Mike Klis. Bailey is expected to miss extensive time as he works his way through treatment and recovery.

According to Klis, Bailey will undergo surgery on his leg. The injury is the kind that can derail a player’s timetable, especially when it occurs during late August, when teams are trying to finalize roles for the regular season and evaluate depth behind their starters.

For Denver, Bailey’s injury comes at a difficult moment. The report framed Bailey as someone competing for a bigger opportunity, which makes the timing more consequential than it would be for a player already firmly established in a specific role. Instead of continuing that competition, Denver now must adjust its depth plans and redistribute reps among the remaining linebackers on the roster.

In terms of what comes next, the Broncos will likely lean more heavily on their other reserve options while Bailey transitions from the field to the medical process. Teams typically use the immediate aftermath of injuries like this to tighten the rotation, placing increased emphasis on special teams and next-man-up ability while the broader group continues to work through preseason installations.

The Falcons also face indirect ripple effects from the game’s outcome. While Atlanta’s primary concern remains its own preseason performance, any injury to a visiting opponent can affect how both staffs evaluate their players in the coming weeks, especially when coaches are trying to interpret late-game situations and personnel groupings.

Bailey’s status will be watched closely by Denver fans and team decision-makers, but there is no timetable available beyond the expectation of “extensive time” off the field in Klis’ report. The next practical test for the Broncos will be how quickly their remaining linebackers absorb expanded responsibilities and whether any player separation emerges as training camp and preseason reps continue.