AUGUST 1: Bailey is indeed out for the year. He was placed on injured reserve Thursday, per a team announcement. His attention will now turn to rehab ahead of free agency next March. Rookie O-lineman Oliver Jervis was signed in a corresponding move.
JULY 31: Cameron Fleming worked as the Broncos’ swing tackle over the past two seasons, but the team did not re-sign the veteran in 2024. This left Quinn Bailey as a player vying for that role; he entered camp continuing to battle for a backup role he has held for multiple seasons. But the sixth-year Bronco saw that pursuit come to a likely end Wednesday.
Sean Payton said it “looks like” Bailey sustained a fractured ankle during practice, via 9News’ Mike Klis, who adds the veteran backup’s right leg was immobilized with an air cast. Bailey, 28, re-signed with the Broncos — on a one-year, $1.1MM deal with no guarantees — in March.
The Arizona State alum is set to undergo surgery, Klis adds. Fleming, 31, remains a free agent. Bailey is one of the Broncos’ longest-tenured players. He is among only five — along with Garett Bolles, Courtland Sutton, Tim Patrick and Justin Strnad — left over from John Elway‘s GM tenure.
A former UDFA, Bailey started a game apiece over the past two seasons. The Broncos enjoyed good health along their offensive line last season but needed Fleming extensively in 2022. Bailey worked as a swing backup more that season, playing 132 offensive snaps. Many of those came at left guard, but the Broncos will be needing to look elsewhere on their roster for swing work.
Denver added Matt Peart on a one-year deal in March as well, and ex-Payton Saints charge Calvin Throckmorton also joined some of his former teammates in Denver. For interior depth, the team could turn to one of the losers of the center competition, which is primarily being waged between 2022 fifth-round pick Luke Wattenberg and 2023 seventh-rounder Alex Forsyth.
