Head coach Sean Payton and the Denver Broncos have reinforced the trenches in their return from a Week 12 bye, with a road game against the Washington Commanders on tap in Week 13, signing rookie offensive lineman Marques Cox on Monday.
Cox is a familiar face for the Broncos, who remain injured up front, among other areas.
Cox, who is listed at 6-foot-5 and 312 pounds, replaces cornerback Reese Taylor on the practice squad after the latter signed to the Broncos’ 53-man roster.
Broncos Re-Sign Marques Cox to Practice Squad Roster
GettyMarques Cox #69 of the Kentucky Wildcats celebrates a touchdown against the Ohio Bobcats.
This is Cox’s third stint with the Broncos. He initially signed in April after the draft, was cut in August after the preseason, brought back between Weeks 7 and 8, and then waived again between Weeks 10 and 11.
“With 59 career starts, Cox is a well-seasoned player after seven years in college. He has adequate size and good length,” NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein wrote before the 2023 draft. “His footwork and body control can be a mess at times. Cox lacks the fluidity and slide quickness to protect his outside edge against speed rushers. Teams could consider bumping him inside to guard, but he also lacks the core strength to mix it up against defensive tackles.”
Zierlein considered Cox a “priority free agent,” which he was.
NFL.com’s Chad Rueter ranked Cox as the 21st undrafted free agent at his position, which was the lowest position among the Broncos’ UDFA additions at the time the list was published.
Broncos Bolster Multiple Positions
GettyMarques Cox #69 of the Kentucky Wildcats in action against the Auburn Tigers.
Notably, the Broncos list Cox as a tackle. He also logged snaps at left guard for them during the preseason, though. He could make more sense there this time around. The Broncos have tackles Frank Crum and Geron Christian behind starters Garett Bolles and Mike McGlinchey.
However, the Broncos remain without starting left guard Ben Powers, who is on injured reserve with torn biceps. Denver hopes Powers can return by December.
They have utilized Alex Palczewski, typically the third offensive tackle, in his absence.
Starting right guard Quinn Meinerz and backup Calvin Throckmorton are the only guards on the Broncos’ 53-man roster. Undrafted rookie free agent center Joe Michalski is the only other interior offensive lineman among the Broncos’ practice squadders.
Broncos Nearing Key Date With Ben Powers
GettyBen Powers #74 of the Denver Broncos blocks against the New Orleans Saints.
Cox’s return aside, the Broncos are rapidly approaching the early target date for Powers to potentially return to the field.
“Source said team’s viewing this as 9-10 week injury, with intention Powers is back before the end of the year (around early Dec.),” The Denver Post’s Luca Evans reported in a post on X in October.
On the shorter end, Powers is in line to return in time for Week 14 at the Las Vegas Raiders.
If he takes the 10 weeks, that means coming back for the following outing, at home against the Green Bay Packers.
Despite Powers’ absence, the Broncos ranked third in ESPN’s Pass Block Win Rate and ninth in Run Block Win Rate as of November 18. Powers’ return will only bolster one of the team’s strengths, while they piecemeal the situation with players like Cox.
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