The Broncos will join other teams in using short-term IR to create roster spots for veterans they cut Tuesday. The team also needed to use its reserve/PUP list. Here is how Denver moved down to the 53-man limit:
Released:
- T Quinn Bailey
- C Kyle Fuller
- WR Lil’Jordan Humphrey
- CB Fabian Moreau
- NT Mike Purcell
- RB Dwayne Washington
Waived:
- RB Tyler Badie
- WR Michael Bandy
- ILB Seth Benson
- G Henry Byrd
- WR Marquez Callaway
- QB Ben DiNucci
- CB Art Green
- WR Taylor Grimes
- WR Josh Hammond
- OLB Marcus Haynes
- CB Faion Hicks
- TE Tommy Hudson
- DE Jordan Jackson
- T Demontrey Jacobs
- RB Tony Jones Jr.
- CB Devon Key
- DT Tomasi Laulile
- DT PJ Mustipher
- DT Haggai Chisom Ndubusi
- OLB Aaron Patrick
- G William Sherman
- WR Montrell Washington
Waived/injured:
- OLB Chris Allen
Placed on reserve/PUP list:
- OLB Baron Browning
Browning suffered a meniscus injury this offseason and underwent surgery in June. This obviously deals a blow to Browning’s development, seeing as the converted off-ball linebacker has yet to play a full season at his second NFL position, and Denver’s edge depth. Randy Gregory and Frank Clark lead the way at the position; both are going into their age-30 seasons. The Broncos have seen Gregory, Von Miller and Bradley Chubb miss substantial time in recent years. They will hope Browning, who showed promise opposite Chubb at points last year, can return when eligible.
The Broncos did not place Jerry Jeudy on IR, keeping their No. 1 receiver available once his hamstring heals. This points to the team viewing Jeudy as likely to come back during the season’s first four weeks. Jeudy suffered a hamstring injury late last week; the malady is expected to sideline him for “several weeks.” The team is expected to re-sign Humphrey once it reorganizes its roster, 9News’ Mike Klis notes.
Although Purcell joined Humphrey as a cut, Klis adds the veteran nose tackle is set to come back. Ditto Moreau, as K’Waun Williams is set to head to IR — a designation that will cost the veteran slot cornerback at least four games — upon undergoing ankle surgery. The Broncos kept UDFAs Elijah Garcia, a defensive lineman, and Jaleel McLaughlin, a running back, after strong preseason outings. McLaughlin is the NCAA all-levels rushing kingpin, having amassed 8,161 yards while at Notre Dame College and Youngstown State — Division II and Division I-FCS programs, respectively, in Ohio. He will be the team’s third-string running back — behind Javonte Williams and Samaje Perine.
The Broncos seem very concerned about their running back position. They’ve signed a slew of players there over the offseason, and they’ve had a lot of moving parts there. It’s interesting, considering the return of Williams. Does this point to Wilson resembling a form of his Seattle days running the ball, with a bit more opening up in the passing game? Or is it just Payton wanting a well manned stable to draw from over the season?
Also, I wouldn’t say that Jeudy has surpassed Sutton as the number one receiver. Despite popular opinion, he is quite valuable, but his size and route running prowess make him very well suited for playing inside. Sutton will certainly be the main option on the outside and will likely see a lot of volume, if all goes according to plan. As such, I’d be much more inclined to label him as the number one right now.