The Denver Broncos made a noteworthy decision on Thursday, moving on from veteran offensive lineman Calvin Throckmorton.
It is a decision that seemingly speaks volumes about the Broncos’ other plans.
The Broncos are hosting the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 16, and they have navigated injury issues just like other teams. However, they have left the door open for several players to return before the campaign ends, and they could see that approach pay off in one particular instance.
Broncos Cut Calvin Throckmorton
GettyLucas Krull #85, Audric Estime #37, Matt Peart #79, and Calvin Throckmorton #76 of the Denver Broncos.
“#Broncos waived OL Calvin Throckmorton, per source,” The Denver Post’s Parker Gabriel reported on X on December 18. “Would think he’s a candidate to return to the practice squad if he clears waivers.
“Opens a spot, potentially, for Ben Powers to be activated off IR.”
Throckmorton initially signed with the Broncos in 2024. He played in two games last season, and he has logged nine appearances this season, all as a reserve.
Throckmorton is a sixth-year pro and former undrafted free agent who has played for the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints. He played for current Broncos head coach Sean Payton with the Saints in 2021.
Throckmorton has been a frequent member of the Broncos’ practice squad since joining.
“The bind: Backup offensive guard Calvin Throckmorton had used up his three allotted practice-squad game-day elevations. So to use him again this Sunday at Baltimore meant he had to be on the active 53-man roster,” Klis wrote on November 1. “Thanks to Burton, room was made.
Throckmorton has signed a series of contracts with the Broncos, most recently a one-year, $1.2 million pact, and has earned $3.4 million in his career.
Now, Throckmorton is returning the favor for the Broncos, as they brace for Powers’ return.
Ben Powers’ Impact Evident
GettyBen Powers #74 of the Denver Broncos in action against the New Orleans Saints.
Powers’ absence fueled part of Throckmorton’s journey with the Broncos, as they shuffled through replacements and reserves alike. After Powers went down, Matt Peart stepped in. And when Peart suffered a knee injury, Alex Palczewski took over.
Powers has not played since Week 5, when the Broncos defeated the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Broncos’ passing yards per game are up without Powers, but their rushing yards are down during Powers’ absence from the starting lineup.
Denver also lost starting running back J.K. Dobbins during that span, in a Week 10 win over the Las Vegas Raiders on “Thursday Night Football.” So, the dip in rushing production is not totally on Powers’ absence, particularly with the passing game taking off.
Notably, Dobbins could also return if the Broncos make a deep postseason run.
In the meantime, the Broncos have leaned on rookie RJ Harvey in Dobbins’ absence, just as they have with Palczewski while Powers has been sidelined.
Getting multiple starters back for the playoffs would be a boost for a Broncos team that owns the best record in the NFL through 15 weeks and has a winnable matchup against a surging Jaguars team on deck in Week 16.
A win would put the Broncos in an even better position to secure the No. 1 seed in the AFC.
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