The Broncos’ altered edge rush group will welcome back a key member as early as tomorrow. Baron Browning is set to be activated from the reserve/PUP list, reports ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. 
Denver began the season with veterans Randy Gregory and Frank Clark as notable members of their pass-rush contingent. However, the former has been traded to the 49ers, while the latter was released after no interested teams could be found in a pick swap. Those moves cleared a path to increased playing time for the team’s younger contributors, a group which includes Browning.
The 24-year-old figures to take on snaps alongside Nik Bonitto and Jonathan Cooper, who have combined to post 9.5 of the Broncos’ 14 sacks this season. Drafted as an inside linebacker, Browning was shifted to the outside last season and he showed considerable promise after the move. The Ohio State alum was limited to 58 tackles and one quarterback hit as a rookie, but the transition to an OLB alignment the following season resulted in five sacks, 12 QB hits and 18 pressures.
Browning suffered a meniscus injury this offseason, something which required surgery back in June. As a result of the procedure, he was moved to the reserve/PUP list during roster cutdowns, a designation which guaranteed at least a four-week absence. A recent report indicated Week 7 was the likely point at which he would make his debut, though, so today’s news comes as little surprise.
The Broncos’ defense has been the league’s worst in a number of categories this season, contributing in large part to the team’s 1-5 record. Denver is thus well-positioned to be in the sellers category in advance of the October 31 trade deadline, though offensive contributors appear likelier to be on the move compared to defensive ones. In any event, Browning’s return will be welcomed given the promise he showed in his first campaign as an edge rusher, along with the depth it gives the team with respect to healthy OLB options.
This is going to tell Denver how much they will need to spend on edge defense this offseason. If Browning can build on his successful, but short termed, transition to edge defender, then Denver can afford to build on Browning and Bonitto as two starters going forward, and pick another player as insurance. If not, then they’ll need to use their best resources to acquire some pressure. With Browning providing reliable production, the Broncos can focus on other needs, like corner or defensive linemen. Without it, edge is a more important need.