Broncos protect 4 players on practice squad, including a running back

Broncos have protected four players on the practice squad, including running back LeVante Bellamy.

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The Denver Broncos have protected four players on the practice squad for Week 2, the team announced Wednesday.

Denver protected quarterback Brett Rypien, outside linebacker Derrek Tuszka, safety P.J. Locke and running back LeVante Bellamy. Those players will not be eligible to leave the practice squad to sign with another team’s active roster this week.

The 12 other players on the practice squad can leave the Broncos at any time if offered a position on another team’s 53-man roster.

The unprotected players are offensive lineman Quinn Bailey, offensive tackle Jake Rodgers, outside linebacker Isaiah Irving, wide receiver Trinity Benson, receiver Fred Brown, running back/fullback Jeremy Cox, defensive back Alijah Holder, center Patrick Morris, left tackle Darrin Paulo, linebacker Josh Watson and defensive lineman DeShawn Williams.

Last week, the Broncos protected Rypien, Tuszka, Locke and Rodgers. Tuszka and Locke were called up to the active roster for Monday’s game against the Tennessee Titans and then returned to the practice squad.

With Phillip Lindsay injured, Bellamy is a likely candidate to be activated to the 53-man roster for Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

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