Broncos roster series: No. 96, DL Eyioma Uwazurike (suspended)

Eyioma Uwazurike remains suspended, but if the NFL lifts his ban, Uwazurike could have a real chance to make the Broncos’ 53-man roster.

Broncos Wire’s 90-man offseason roster series continues today with a look at second-year defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike, No. 96.

Before the Broncos: Uwazurike (6-6, 320 pounds) played college football at Iowa State from 2016-2021, earning first-team All-Big 12 recognition in his final season. He totaled 144 tackles and 15 sacks in five years (60 games) with the Cyclones.

Broncos tenure: Denver picked Uwazurike in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL draft. He dressed for eight games as rookie, totaling 17 tackles, two quarterback hits and one pass breakup on 165 snaps.

Last summer, the NFL suspended Uwazurike indefinitely for gambling, including placing wagers on Broncos games. Criminal charges in Iowa have since been dropped and the Arapahoe County DA will not file charges against him. That seemingly clears the way for Uwazurike to have his suspension lifted, but the NFL has not made a decision as of the time of publication.

Chances to make the 53-man roster: Uncertain. For now, Uwazurike remains on the club’s reserve/suspended by the commissioner list. If the suspension is lifted, Uwazurike would have a decent chance to make the team this summer. The fact that the Broncos have not released him thus far suggests Uwazurike could have a future in Denver post-suspension.

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