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While hoping to avoid fights, Broncos and 49ers enthusiastic about Thursday’s joint practice

By Chris Tomasson August 5, 2025 | updated 21 hours ago

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Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II breaks up a pass intended for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (11) during the first quarter of a game on Sept. 25, 2022, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver.

Christian Murdock, The Gazette file

ENGLEWOOD – OK, so the Colts and Ravens did get into a sideline-clearing fight Tuesday. But perhaps that won’t be the trend in joint practices during training camp.

It used to be common for teams to hold two straight days of joint practices during camp but that began to change last year. Now joint practices generally last one day and are held two days before the teams meet in a preseason game.

The Broncos in 2023 had their last two-day joint practice, hosting the Los Angeles Rams. They had a one-day affair last year with the Packers at Broncos Park and this year they will have two one-day sessions. The first is Thursday at the 49ers’ facility, followed by Saturday’s preseason opener at Levi’s Stadium. The second will be Aug. 14 against the Cardinals at Broncos Park, two days before the teams play a preseason game at Empower Field at Mile High.

“I think one is enough plus the game and sometimes two of it in pads it can get a little frisky (on the second day),’’ Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph said Tuesday after a training camp practice.

Joseph spoke before the Colts and Ravens got into it at Baltimore’s facility in a one-day joint practice before the teams play Thursday. Ravens cornerback Nate Wiggins was removed from the practice after throwing punches at Colts running back Tyler Goodson. They came after Ravens cornerback Keyon Martin shoved Goodson during a punt drill and Goodson retaliated. Players then left the sideline before order was restored.

Speaking Tuesday, San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan made note of his preference for a single joint practice day.

“I’m more excited just going against someone once,’’ Shanahan told reporters. “In the past, I’ve always done two days, and I’m always excited by the end of the first day. I’m always wishing we didn’t have to go the second day. … Whoever does better the first day, usually they get killed the second day and everyone ends up fighting and it just ends up not being worth it. So I think one day should a be little easier.”

Broncos offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi agrees.

“Obviously, with two days you get more work,’’ Lombardi said. “You can look at more plays, more reps but I think one day’s plenty. We get plenty of reps and it’s probably a better way to go I think when you do it just one day. Usually, when you have these joint practices, the (first-string players) get a little bit more work (and when there were two joint practices) we don’t have to play them in the preseason. I think you’re still able to (play them in the preseason) because they’re not banging heads for two days with an opposing team.”

Broncos coach Sean Payton said Monday he plans to use starters against the 49ers, although he didn’t say how long they would go. It would be a surprise, though, if starters were in for more than two series.

Lombardi is looking forward to seeing his offense face San Francisco’s defense. He said Thursday it will be “mostly evaluation of the players,” especially those involved in position battles or on the roster bubble.

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“Mentally, I think it refreshes (players) and they become a little bit more focused, which is always a challenge as you get into camp,’’ Lombardi said. “Seeing a different front, a different scheme helps you. The quarterbacks are getting experience with certain plays, and the guys are getting used to certain coverages. Seeing something different always helps.”

Lombardi said Tuesday that for quarterback Bo Nix in his second season “things just slow down for him” and “he’s able to just play a little faster.” Look for that to continue to be the case Thursday.

Lombardi is eager to see the running game against the 49ers. The Broncos have added J.K. Dobbins, who did not practice Tuesday due to Lombardi saying he had a vet day off, and rookie RJ Harvey.

“We’ve added some runners that we’re really excited about,’’ he said. “We certainly expect to make a jump in the running game.”

On defense, Joseph will test his unit against a 49ers team that was No. 4 in the NFL last season in total offense.

“I’m excited about San Francisco,’’ Joseph said. “It’s going to be fun for us to see different looks and that offense is obviously a top-five offense.”

Denver’s defense includes linebacker Dre Greenlaw, who played the past six seasons with the 49ers, and safety Talanoa Hufanga, who spent the last four years with them. Joseph said “they’ve made their mark because of how hard they play” and that they play “at a fast pace.”

Greenlaw suffered a quad injury in practice last Thursday and was back on the field in pads Tuesday. However, he spent the bulk of practice working on a side field, so it’s uncertain what his role will be Thursday.

“I love seeing them,’’ Shanahan said about Greenlaw and Hufanga returning to the 49ers’ facility. “I don’t really like practicing or playing against guys that I really like and have a lot of love for, but I enjoy seeing them.”

Hufanga talked two weeks ago about getting in a fight during the joint practice with 49ers tackle Trent Williams. No doubt to the relief of many, he was joking.

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Chris Tomasson

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