The Denver Broncos made a flurry of roster moves this week, including seven changes to the practice squad.
First, the Broncos promoted inside linebacker Levelle Bailey from the practice squad to the active roster. To fill Bailey’s former spot, Denver signed wide receiver A.T. Perry.
The Broncos also signed offensive tackle Cam Fleming, center Dieter Eiselen and wide receiver Kaden Davis to the practice squad. To make room for those three players, Denver released running back Salvon Ahmed and defensive back Quinton Newsome and placed offensive tackle Will Sherman on the practice squad/injured list.
The Denver Broncos have been making significant adjustments to their roster as the NFL season progresses. Roster changes, whether due to injuries, strategy, or performance, are part of a team’s effort to find the best combination of talent to succeed on the field. This week, the Broncos made a flurry of changes, particularly focusing on the practice squad and key additions to the active roster. Here’s a breakdown of the moves and their potential impact on the team moving forward.
One of the most notable moves was promoting inside linebacker Levelle Bailey from the practice squad to the active roster. This promotion reflects both the team’s current needs and Bailey’s progress as a player. The linebacker position is critical in any defensive scheme, responsible for stopping the run, covering short passes, and sometimes rushing the quarterback. Bailey’s promotion may have been triggered by injuries or underperformance in the existing linebacker corps.
Bailey’s rise to the active roster is likely a result of his hard work and adaptability in practice. His role on special teams or as a rotational linebacker could offer him more chances to shine in the coming games. For Bailey, this is a significant step in his career, offering him the opportunity to prove himself on the main stage.
To replace Bailey’s spot on the practice squad, the Broncos signed wide receiver A.T. Perry. A tall, athletic receiver who played his college ball at Wake Forest, Perry is known for his ability to make contested catches and stretch the field vertically. He was a standout player at Wake Forest, racking up impressive stats in his final year, which caught the attention of several NFL teams.
Perry’s addition to the practice squad could signal the Broncos’ interest in bolstering their receiving depth. Injuries are always a concern for wide receivers, and having a player like Perry in reserve gives Denver more flexibility if one of their primary receivers is sidelined. Additionally, Perry’s size and skillset could make him a valuable red-zone target if he eventually gets promoted to the active roster.
The Broncos also made several notable signings to their practice squad, starting with Cam Fleming, an experienced offensive tackle. Fleming is a seasoned veteran who has been in the league since 2014, playing for teams like the New England Patriots, Dallas Cowboys, and previously with the Broncos. His return to Denver’s practice squad could provide the team with much-needed depth on the offensive line, which has struggled with injuries and inconsistency this season.
Having a veteran like Fleming on the practice squad is invaluable for a young offensive line group. He can offer guidance and step in when necessary, especially in situations where the Broncos need immediate reinforcement due to injury.
Another key addition to the practice squad is center Dieter Eiselen. Eiselen has bounced around a few NFL teams but brings versatility to the Broncos. Having depth at the center position is crucial, as a solid center is the cornerstone of the offensive line, ensuring smooth snaps and protection for the quarterback. Eiselen will be competing for a chance to show he can offer more stability on the line, particularly with Denver’s offense needing more consistent protection for their quarterbacks.
The Broncos also added Kaden Davis, a wide receiver with some experience on special teams. Special teams often go underappreciated, but having players like Davis who can make an impact in that phase of the game is important for a well-rounded team. Davis’s speed and agility could earn him a role on kick returns or in other special teams situations, giving the Broncos another weapon in an often overlooked part of the game.
To make room for the new additions, the Broncos parted ways with a couple of players. Running back Salvon Ahmed and defensive back Quinton Newsome were both released from the practice squad. Ahmed, known for his speed and shiftiness, was likely a victim of the team’s crowded running back room. With Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin, and others ahead of him on the depth chart, Ahmed’s chances of seeing the field were slim. His release could also signal that the Broncos feel confident in their current running back options, at least for the time being.
Quinton Newsome, a promising young defensive back, was also cut to make space. Newsome had potential, but the Broncos’ secondary has been an area of strength this season, leaving little room for a developing player like him. He could, however, catch on with another team looking for depth in their defensive backfield.
In addition to the cuts, offensive tackle Will Sherman was placed on the practice squad/injured list. Injuries are a part of the game, and unfortunately, Sherman will now spend some time rehabbing rather than contributing on the field. Sherman’s injury further emphasizes why the addition of Cam Fleming is so important. Having a veteran backup like Fleming helps mitigate the loss of a young player like Sherman and ensures the Broncos have enough depth to handle the grueling NFL season.
These moves, while seemingly minor on the surface, highlight how dynamic the NFL is, with teams constantly adjusting their rosters to adapt to injuries, performance issues, and strategic needs. The Broncos have struggled this season, and while these practice squad changes and promotions may not seem like game-changers, they could have an impact down the line.
For players like Levelle Bailey and A.T. Perry, these moves represent an opportunity. Every player in the NFL knows that when the door opens, they need to seize the moment, and for Bailey, the promotion to the active roster is his chance to show the coaches he belongs. Meanwhile, Perry, Fleming, Eiselen, and Davis will continue to hone their skills on the practice squad, waiting for their moment to shine.
The Broncos’ roster moves this week were about more than just filling spots; they were about finding players who can contribute both now and in the future. As the season progresses, some of these names could become more familiar to Broncos fans. In the meantime, the team continues to adapt, hoping that these changes will help them build a more competitive roster.
Roster management in the NFL is like a chess game, and the Broncos have made their latest moves with an eye toward the future, hoping to find the right combination of talent that will lead to success on the field.