The Denver Broncos were without one of their top players in practice this week as second-team All-Pro outside linebacker Nik Bonitto recovered from a procedure to remove a bone spur on his foot. Coach Sean Payton said Thursday in his post-practice media availability that Bonitto aims to return to the field next week and could see action in the preseason game against the Saints on Aug. 23.

If Bonitto hits the practice field in advance of the Broncos' final preseason contest, he would have about three weeks of lead time before the regular-season opener.

"He had a little spur on the top of his foot," Payton said. "His is something that we just had done and we knew that he was going to miss this week. He'll be up and at it next week. He's been fantastic. The days he's missed has be

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