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The Denver Broncos got a much-needed boost this week. 

As CBS Sports noted, wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. practiced as a full participant for the first time since suffering a concussion in Week 8. 

After missing two straight games, Mims is “nearing a return to action” according to multiple reports. 

However, he must still clear the final stage of the NFL’s concussion protocol, including sign-off from an independent neurologist in order to play Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs. 

Sean Payton expressed cautious optimism about the second-year wideout: 

“He’s trending in the right direction. Getting him back in the mix would help us with what we want to do offensively.” 

Mims has now logged back-to-back full practices on Wednesday and Thursday, a key indicator he’s closing in on clearance.

Meanwhile, six Broncos, including Pat Surtain II and J.K. Dobbins, have not practiced this week, but Mims’ return stood out as some good news. 

Mims’ Injury and the Offensive Impact 

Mims hasn’t played since suffering a concussion late in Denver’s Week 8 win over the Dallas Cowboys.

He missed Weeks 9 and 10, and the offense hasn’t looked the same in his absence.

The Broncos averaged just 14 total points over their last two games, lacked explosive plays downfield, and struggled to stretch defenses vertically.  

Mims entered Week 8 ranked among the team leaders in explosive pass plays as he has  averaged 10.6 yards per reception. 

That is the highest among Denver’s wideouts so far this season. 

So far this season, Mims has 22 catches for 234 yards, including four catches of 23 or more yards. 

Without him, defenses compressed the field which greatly impacted the Denver offense. 

Sean Payton acknowledged the difference earlier in the week, saying the offense missed Mims’ “ability to threaten safeties and open up other parts of the passing game.”