A pair of Denver Broncos players won their first starts with their new clubs on Sunday.
Ex-Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson got the nod for the Pittsburgh Steelers, replacing Justin Fields in the lineup. Wilson went 16-of-29 passing for 264 yards with two touchdown passes and no turnovers. He also rushed for a touchdown and was only sacked once as the Steelers defeated the New York Jets 37-15 at home.
Following that performance, Wilson is probably locked in as the Steelers’ starter going forward. Wilson, 35, was benched by Denver coach Sean Payton with two games remaining last season. The Broncos then cut Wilson in March and he quickly landed in Pittsburgh.
Another ex-Denver player, kicker Brandon McManus, won his first game with the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. After signing with the Packers last Tuesday, McManus kicked a 45-yard game-winning field goal to seal a 24-22 victory over the Houston Texans on Sunday.
McManus, 33, played for the Broncos from 2014-2022, helping the team win Super Bowl 50 following the 2015 season. After being cut by Payton last year, McManus spent last season with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He joined the Washington Commanders this spring but was cut after being accused of sexual assault. After the NFL said there was insufficient evidence to discipline McManus for the allegations, he signed with the Packers.
A third ex-Denver player, quarterback Drew Lock, got garbage time minutes against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday after the New York Giants took out Daniel Jones in the fourth quarter. Lock went 3-of-8 passing for six yards and was sacked once in New York’s 28-3 loss to Philly. Lock also rushed once for 13 yards and fumbled twice.
When the Broncos host the Carolina Panthers in Week 8, they will welcome back former defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, defensive lineman DeShawn Williams and linebacker Josey Jewell.
[vertical-gallery id=620142]