The Denver Broncos appear to be on the verge of getting prized offseason addition and veteran linebacker Dre Greenlaw back on the field for the first time since the regular season began, potentially as soon as Week 7 against the New York Giants.
However, it is notably the potential corresponding action that serves as the potential tell.
Greenlaw inked a three-year, $31.5 million contract with the Broncos in free agency, and his return remains highly anticipated.
Dre Greenlaw’s Return Appears Imminent
GettyDre Greenlaw #57 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after a stop against the Detroit Lions in the NFC Championship Game.
The Broncos listed Greenlaw as questionable on their final injury report of the week, after he upgraded from back-to-back sessions to a full one in the final opportunity. He remains on injured reserve, with a decision likely coming on Saturday, if at all this week.
“Dre Greenlaw moved around very well all week in practice from what the media saw,” DNVR Broncos’ Zac Stevens posted on X on October 17.
“Wouldn’t be surprised at all if he made his Broncos debut on Sunday.”
Stevens also posted his belief that “every single sign points to Dre Greenlaw making his Broncos debut on Sunday,” despite the team still needing to make an official declaration, and he is not alone.
The Broncos cut quarterback Sam Ehlinger from the 53-man roster without a corresponding move as a precursor.
That could signal their intent to activate Greenlaw off IR.
Sam Ehlinger Expected to Sign With Broncos’ Practice Squad
GettyClayton Tune #15 of the Arizona Cardinals and Sam Ehlinger #4 of the Denver Broncos talk after a game.
Ehlinger has served as the Broncos’ third and emergency quarterback all season, signing during the spring after entering the league as a sixth-round pick of the Indianapolis Colts in 2021.
“Sam Ehlinger being released is a very strong indication that Dre Greenlaw is going to be on the 53-player roster on Saturday,” Denver Sports’ Andrew Mason posted on X. “Ehlinger is not subject to the waiver wire, so the Broncos can sign him to the practice squad Saturday, and elevate him as the emergency No. 3 QB.”
That is indeed the Broncos’ plan, both for Ehlinger and Greenlaw.
“Source says #Broncos will indeed re-sign QB Sam Ehlinger to the practice squad,” The Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson posted. “Move made to clear spot for Dre Greenlaw to return to 53-man roster.”
Greenlaw’s return, which could come in a limited capacity, should elevate a Broncos defense that ranks No. 2 in scoring and overall entering Sunday.
Broncos Rule Out Jonah Elliss vs Giants
GettyJonah Elliss #52 of the Denver Broncos celebrates a sack with Alex Singleton #49 against the Tennessee Titans.
Greenlaw’s potential return is encouraging, but the Broncos did deliver some more sobering news to close out their week of preparation.
Second-year outside linebacker Jonah Elliss ruled out for the second straight week due to a shoulder injury. Elliss has not practiced since Week 5, when he was on the injury report with a rib issue.
He shed the rib injury, but the shoulder issue has lingered.
Elliss underwent surgery in the offseason to repair a fractured scapula suffered during the 2024 playoffs against the Buffalo Bills.
“In his absence, rookie Que Robinson will likely be back in Denver’s outside linebacker rotation,” The Denver Post’s Parker Gabriel wrote on October 17. “The fourth-round rookie made his debut last week and played 19 defensive snaps.”
Elliss has 3 total tackles, 1.0 sacks, and 1 forced fumble on the season. The son of Broncos great, Luther Elliss, Jonah logged 5.0 sacks as a rookie.
The Broncos need whatever Greenlaw can give them, if he plays, to outweigh the loss of Elliss.
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