The Denver Broncos made a late adjustment in light of a persistent injury to one of their usual contributors, resulting in Marcedes Lewis joining the 53-man roster.
Lewis has been a member of the Broncos’ practice squad since October.
The 41-year-old, who is on his fourth team in a 20-year career, should have a smoother transition than most for a critical stretch run for the Broncos, with whom he has already garnered national attention this season.
Broncos Sign Marcedes Lewis to 53-Man Roster
GettyMarcedes Lewis #84 of the Chicago Bears looks on against the Arizona Cardinals.
Lewis started for the Broncos in Week 10 against the Las Vegas Raiders on “Thursday Night Football” as one of his elevations this season.
That transaction was a noteworthy factor in the Broncos’ decision.
“Per source, Broncos are signing veteran TE Marcedes Lewis to their 53-man roster,” 9News’ Mike Klis reported on X on December 6. “Already a locker room leader and superb blocker, Lewis had used up his 3 practice squad elevations.”
Lewis, who has earned $64.5 million in his career, per Over The Cap, was on a $315,000 deal with the Broncos’ practice squad.
The veteran has not caught a pass or even drawn an official target so far this season.
However, he was the No. 28 overall pick of the 2006 draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars, and a Pro Bowler for that organization in 2010. He also has a 437-5,115-30 line for a career that includes stints with the Chicago Bears and the Green Bay Packers.
The move also comes amid Nate Adkins missing his fifth straight game. Adding Lewis to the 53-man roster from the practice squad did not come without some risk for the Broncos.
Broncos Replace Garret Wallow With Jordan Turner
GettyJordan Turner #55 of the Denver Broncos sacks Clayton Tune #15 of the Arizona Cardinals.
To make room for Lewis on the 53-man roster, the Broncos had to part ways with another player, and they decided on linebacker Garret Wallow. However, since the two do not play the same position, the Broncos made a corresponding decision to offset the loss of Wallow.
“With Wallow waived, Broncos are elevating ILB Jordan Turner,” Klis reported in a separate post on X on December 6. “Need LB body for special teams.”
Wallow has 5 total tackles in seven games this season, but the move is more notable for Turner.
“#Broncos LB Jordan Turner got his third and final practice squad elevation today for Sunday’s game at Las Vegas,” The Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson posted on X on December 6. “He is a candidate to be signed moving forward to the 53-man roster. A real find for the Broncos after he came to rookie minicamp as a tryout player.”
Turner has 3 combined stops in his two appearances for the Broncos this season, who got linebacker Alex Singleton back in Week 13 after a one-game (and two-week) absence due to surgery removing a cancerous testicular growth.
Broncos Getting Closer to Full Strength
GettyBen Powers #74 of the Denver Broncos blocks against the New Orleans Saints.
Even without Adkins, the Broncos are indeed getting closer to full health. They are holding out hope that starting running back J.K. Dobbins will be able to return for the postseason, most likely if they make it to the Super Bowl.
However, the Broncos may have a more realistic opportunity to get starting left guard Ben Powers back before the calendar turns to 2026.
All has been quiet so far, but the timing would make sense.
“#Broncos left guard Ben Powers remains on schedule with his rehab after suffering torn biceps Oct 5 at Philly, having surgery & being put on IR,” Tomasson reported in a post on X on December 4. “There’s been continued hope of Powers returning in December but nothing has been set on when he might be designated for return from IR.”
More immediately, Lewis and the Broncos are going for the team’s 10th straight victory against the Raiders in Week 14.
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