The Denver Broncos announced with a post on X on December 13 that they “made a series of roster moves” before their Week 15 tilt against the Green Bay Packers, including adding quarterback Sam Ehlinger and making Marcedes Lewis’ return official.
Ehlinger’s situation took an interesting turn in the past week.
Meanwhile, the Broncos also shook things up elsewhere on the roster ahead of a potentially pivotal week around the NFL.
Broncos Sign LB Jordan Turner to 53-Man Roster
GettyJordan Turner #55 of the Denver Broncos sacks Clayton Tune #15 of the Arizona Cardinals.
“The Broncos promoted inside linebacker Jordan Turner from the practice squad to the active roster,” DenverBroncos.com’s Aric DiLalla wrote on December 13 in the team’s official release.
“Turner had been elevated in three of Denver’s last six games, recording three tackles and playing 59 percent of the Broncos’ special teams snaps. For Turner to play again this season, he needed to be promoted to the 53-man roster.”
Turner is a rookie undrafted free agent.
He initially signed with the Broncos right after the draft, ranking among the top undrafted free agents at his position in the class.
Turner replaces linebacker Garret Wallow. The Broncos waived Wallow last week so they could sign Lewis to the 53-man roster. They had hopes of bringing him back as a member of the practice squad.
Instead, the San Francisco 49ers claimed Wallow, adding him to their active roster.
Broncos Elevate Sam Ehlinger From Practice Squad
GettySam Ehlinger #4 of the Denver Broncos on the field after facing the Arizona Cardinals.
The Broncos also announced that they elevated Sam Ehlinger to the active roster for game day, marking his first time this season.
Ehlinger made waves during the week after turning down interest from his former team, the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts drafted Ehlinger with the No. 218 overall pick in 2021, where he spent the entirety of his career before signing with the Broncos in free agency.
“We’re really happy here and enjoy the organization, the path we’re on and what we’re building. I want to be part of that,” Ehlinger told The Denver Post’s Parker Gabriel in comments published on December 10. “I was in Indianapolis for four years and I love everybody over there. It’s just a difficult situation, obviously.”
Broncos head coach Sean Payton appreciated Ehlinger’s loyalty.
“We spent time with him, and we’re glad he’s here. We’re glad he’s staying. We think a lot of him. A lot. He’s um been a real good surprise for all of us, especially offensively, when we see and watch him. And he made that decision, and that’s a big deal,” Payton said on December 12.
“I think his football IQ [stands out], and I would say he’s a quick decision maker. He processes things well, and he’s also a real good foot athlete. And you just go back, I remember him, I think I saw him live [with Texas] at the Superdome when they beat Georgia. And there’s a ‘it factor’ he has that we all like.”
Broncos Replace Injured WR With Michael Bandy for Week 15
GettyPat Bryant #13 of the Denver Broncos reacts against the Dallas Cowboys.
In their final move, with Ehlinger, Lewis, and Turner all in tow, the Broncos also called up wide receiver Michael Bandy. He will take the game-day roster spot of injured rookie third-round draft pick Pat Bryant, who is dealing with a hamstring issue.
Payton downplayed the severity of the injury, noting the Broncos are simply taking a cautious approach with Bryant.
He has emerged as a No. 2 option opposite Courtland Sutton.
“It’s hard to describe,” Payton said of Bryant’s injury. “It’s attached to the hamstring. We feel like if this was a playoff game – or in other words, he’d be able to go. And yet, in order to get him back to full strength, we feel like we’ve done the right thing this week.”
Bandy is a sixth-year pro and former undrafted free agent. He is in his third season with the Broncos and second under Payton, though he spent all of 2024 on the practice squad.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Broncos Add Loyal QB, Promising Prospect in Last-Minute Roster Shuffle appeared first on Heavy Sports.