Broncos Finalize 53-Man Roster, Begin Filling Practice Squad with Veteran Signings and Waiver Hopes
DENVER — The Denver Broncos set their initial 53-man roster on Sunday after making close to 40 personnel moves, cutting multiple rookie draft picks and several tenured veterans. General Manager George Paton said Sunday evening that the team plans to bring several of the surprise cuts back to the practice squad, provided they clear waivers. Counting the international player exemption, the Broncos will fill 17 practice squad spots in the coming days.
Among the confirmed practice squad signings are wide receiver Michael Bandy, fullback Adam Prentice, long snapper Mitchell Fraboni, tight end Lucas Krull, and outside linebacker David Agoha, who joins via the international player exemption. The team also released long snapper Luke Basso, tight end Lucas Krull, fullback Adam Prentice, offensive tackle Foster Sarell, center Lecitus Smith, and offensive guard Calvin Throckmorton.
Several undrafted rookies who impressed during training camp could return if they clear waivers, including wide receiver Kolbe Katsis, offensive lineman Gavin Ortega, long snapper Luke Basso, and cornerback Reese Taylor. Katsis was Denver's best returner during the preseason, highlighted by a 48-yard kick return in the preseason finale against the Cardinals. Ortega stepped up during the team's injury crisis at center and held down second- and third-team duties throughout camp.
Roster Moves and Injury Designations
In addition to the cuts, the Broncos waived linebacker Drew Sanders with an injury designation and placed defensive tackle Frank Crum and tight end Caleb Lohner on injured reserve with the designation to return. Offensive guard Nick Gargiulo was placed on the reserve/physically unable to perform list. All three players must miss at least four games. The team also declined to tender an offer to running back Jaleel McLaughlin, who made the Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2023.
McLaughlin's Uncertain Future
McLaughlin's path to a roster spot "looks dicey," according to Paton, who suggested the 25-year-old could return as a practice squad player. McLaughlin totaled 1,093 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 226 carries while adding 59 receptions for 263 yards and four scores through the air over his career. He averaged 4.8 yards per carry and caught 59 of 69 targets. McLaughlin is built like a third-down back and could resurface elsewhere if he doesn't clear waivers, but the Broncos hope to retain his services.
With running back K. Dobbins not yet ready to resume playing, rookie RJ Harvey is expected to lead the backfield. Harvey is dealing with a rib injury but practiced in full on Wednesday and should remain the lead back. In last week's game, McLaughlin handled four touches and Tyler Badie had one, with McLaughlin appearing to be the choice to attack the Bills' weakness on the outside of their run defense. He gained over five yards per carry but saw limited work in the second half. McLaughlin also had a 17-yard reception, forcing a missed tackle after a checkdown from quarterback Bo Nix. Badie rushed twice for minus-two yards and caught two of two targets for 28 yards. McLaughlin was the only Denver running back besides Harvey (seven rushes, 50 yards) to see a carry in a pass-heavy script.
Paton has repeatedly said he needs to get backup backs and receivers like Marvin Mims more involved, a theme he's emphasized after games. The Broncos will finalize their practice squad in the coming days as waiver claims are processed.