Tag: Devaughn Vele

Broncos’ release depth chart for game vs. Ravens

Here’s a look at the Broncos’ depth chart ahead of Sunday’s game against the Ravens.

With potential roster changes possibly on deck later this week, the Denver Broncos have released their depth chart ahead of a Week 9 showdown with the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday.

Last week, the Broncos elevated linebacker Kwon Alexander and guard/center Calvin Throckmorton from the practice squad to the game-day roster. Throckmorton has now maxed out his elevations. Alexander can still be elevated one more time, so we left him on the depth chart below.

Here’s a look at the team’s depth chart going into the Ravens game.

Broncos offensive depth chart

WR Marvin Mims Troy Franklin
LT Garett Bolles Matt Peart
LG Ben Powers Alex Palczewski
C Alex Forsyth
RG Quinn Meinerz Alex Palczewski
RT Mike McGlinchey Frank Crum
TE Adam Trautman Greg Dulcich Lucas Krull
WR Courtland Sutton Lil’Jordan Humphrey Devaughn Vele
RB Javonte Williams Jaleel McLaughlin Audric Estime
FB Michael Burton Nate Adkins
QB Bo Nix Jarrett Stidham Zach Wilson

Broncos defensive depth chart

DE Zach Allen Jordan Jackson
NT D.J. Jones Malcolm Roach
DE John Franklin-Myers Eyioma Uwazurike
SLB Jonathon Cooper Jonah Elliss
WLB Nik Bonitto / Baron Browning Dondrea Tillman
ILB Justin Strnad (Kwon Alexander)
ILB Cody Barton Levelle Bailey
LCB Pat Surtain Levi Wallace Tremon Smith
RCB Riley Moss Damarri Mathis Kris Abrams-Draine
NCB Ja’Quan McMillian
S P.J. Locke JL Skinner
S Brandon Jones Devon Key Keidron Smith

Broncos special teams depth chart

PK Wil Lutz
KO Wil Lutz
P Riley Dixon
H Riley Dixon
LS Mitchell Fraboni
KR Marvin Mims Tremon Smith Jaleel McLaughlin
PR Marvin Mims Tremon Smith

Sunday’s game will be regionally televised on CBS (view the TV broadcast map here). The Broncos are considered big underdogs in Week 9.

[vertical-gallery id=620142]

8 players did not play in Broncos’ win vs. Panthers

Eight Broncos players did not play against the Panthers, including safety P.J. Locke (thumb).

Seven members of the 53-man roster did not play in the Denver Broncos‘ 28-14 win over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday afternoon.

Broncos quarterback Zach Wilson*, safety P.J. Locke (thumb), offensive tackle Alex Palczewski (ankle), cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine, tight end Greg Dulcich, outside linebacker Dondrea Tillman and defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike were inactive in Week 8.

*Wilson was inactive but still dressed as an emergency third quarterback.

Jarrett Stidham, Denver’s primary backup quarterback, also did not play as Bo Nix took every snap on offense. That gave the Broncos eight total players who did not see the field against the Panthers.

Broncos who did not play in Week 8

  1. QB Zach Wilson (emergency third QB)
  2. OT Alex Palczewski (ankle)
  3. DB P.J. Locke (thumb)
  4. CB Kris Abrams-Draine
  5. TE Greg Dulcich
  6. OLB Dondrea Tillman
  7. DL Eyioma Uwazurike
  8. QB Jarrett Stidham (active)

Devon Key filled in for Locke at safety. Palczewski might be a candidate to return to the game-day roster in Week 9.

[vertical-gallery id=620142]

Broncos’ depth chart for today’s game vs. Panthers

Here’s a look at the Broncos’ depth chart for Sunday’s game against the Panthers.

After making a few changes to the 53-man roster last week, the Denver Broncos have released their updated depth chart ahead of a Week 8 showdown with the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.

Last week, the Broncos activated outside linebacker Baron Browning (foot), right tackle Mike McGlinchey (MCL) and cornerback Damarri Mathis (ankle) from injured reserve to the active roster.

Denver also cut running back Blake Watson from the active roster and later re-signed him to the practice squad last week.

This week, the team elevated linebacker Kwon Alexander and guard/center Calvin Throckmorton from the practice squad to the game-day roster.

Following those moves, here’s a look at the team’s updated depth chart going into the Panthers game.

Broncos offensive depth chart

WR Marvin Mims Troy Franklin
LT Garett Bolles Matt Peart
LG Ben Powers Alex Palczewski Calvin Throckmorton
C Alex Forsyth Calvin Throckmorton
RG Quinn Meinerz Alex Palczewski Calvin Throckmorton
RT Mike McGlinchey Frank Crum
TE Adam Trautman Greg Dulcich Lucas Krull
WR Courtland Sutton Lil’Jordan Humphrey Devaughn Vele
RB Javonte Williams Jaleel McLaughlin Audric Estime
FB Michael Burton Nate Adkins
QB Bo Nix Jarrett Stidham Zach Wilson

Broncos defensive depth chart

DE Zach Allen Jordan Jackson
NT D.J. Jones Malcolm Roach
DE John Franklin-Myers Eyioma Uwazurike
SLB Jonathon Cooper Jonah Elliss
WLB Nik Bonitto / Baron Browning Dondrea Tillman
ILB Justin Strnad Kwon Alexander
ILB Cody Barton Levelle Bailey
LCB Pat Surtain Levi Wallace Tremon Smith
RCB Riley Moss Damarri Mathis Kris Abrams-Draine
NCB Ja’Quan McMillian
S P.J. Locke JL Skinner
S Brandon Jones Devon Key Keidron Smith

Broncos special teams depth chart

PK Wil Lutz
KO Wil Lutz
P Riley Dixon
H Riley Dixon
LS Mitchell Fraboni
KR Marvin Mims Tremon Smith Jaleel McLaughlin
PR Marvin Mims Tremon Smith

Sunday’s game will be regionally televised on CBS (view the TV broadcast map). Playing at home, the Broncos are considered favorites in Week 8.

[vertical-gallery id=620142]

Broncos release depth chart for Week 8 vs. Panthers

Here’s a look at the Broncos’ depth chart for Sunday’s game against the Panthers.

After making a few changes to the 53-man roster last week, the Denver Broncos have released their updated depth chart ahead of a Week 8 showdown with the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.

Last week, the Broncos activated outside linebacker Baron Browning (foot), right tackle Mike McGlinchey (MCL) and cornerback Damarri Mathis (ankle) from injured reserve to the active roster.

Denver also cut running back Blake Watson from the active roster and later re-signed him to the practice squad. Following those moves, here’s a look at the team’s updated depth chart going into the Panthers game.

Broncos offensive depth chart

WR Marvin Mims Troy Franklin
LT Garett Bolles Matt Peart
LG Ben Powers Alex Palczewski
C Alex Forsyth
RG Quinn Meinerz Alex Palczewski
RT Mike McGlinchey Frank Crum
TE Adam Trautman Greg Dulcich Lucas Krull
WR Courtland Sutton Lil’Jordan Humphrey Devaughn Vele
RB Javonte Williams Jaleel McLaughlin Audric Estime
FB Michael Burton Nate Adkins
QB Bo Nix Jarrett Stidham Zach Wilson

Broncos defensive depth chart

DE Zach Allen Jordan Jackson
NT D.J. Jones Malcolm Roach
DE John Franklin-Myers Eyioma Uwazurike
SLB Jonathon Cooper Jonah Elliss
WLB Nik Bonitto / Baron Browning Dondrea Tillman
ILB Justin Strnad Levelle Bailey
ILB Cody Barton Levelle Bailey
LCB Pat Surtain Levi Wallace Tremon Smith
RCB Riley Moss Damarri Mathis Kris Abrams-Draine
NCB Ja’Quan McMillian
S P.J. Locke JL Skinner
S Brandon Jones Devon Key Keidron Smith

Broncos special teams depth chart

PK Wil Lutz
KO Wil Lutz
P Riley Dixon
H Riley Dixon
LS Mitchell Fraboni
KR Marvin Mims Tremon Smith Jaleel McLaughlin
PR Marvin Mims Tremon Smith

Sunday’s game will be regionally televised on CBS (view the TV broadcast map). Playing at home, the Broncos are considered favorites in Week 8.

[vertical-gallery id=620142]

7 players did not play in Broncos’ win vs. Saints

The Broncos held out seven players from Thursday’s game against the Saints, including CB Pat Surtain, who is recovering from a concussion.

Seven members of the 53-man roster did not play in the Denver Broncos‘ 33-10 win over the New Orleans Saints on Thursday Night Football.

Broncos quarterback Zach Wilson*, cornerback Pat Surtain (concussion), offensive tackle Alex Palczewski (ankle), cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine, outside linebacker Dondrea Tillman, defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike and tight end Greg Dulcich were inactive in Week 7.

Wilson was inactive but was still dressed as an emergency third quarterback.

Jarrett Stidham, Denver’s primary backup quarterback, made his 2024 debut when he entered the game late in the fourth quarter for kneel-downs. After Stidham entered the game, all of the Broncos’ active players had seen the field on TNF.

Broncos who did not play in Week 7

  1. QB Zach Wilson (emergency third QB)
  2. CB Pat Surtain (concussion)
  3. OT Alex Palczewski (ankle)
  4. CB Kris Abrams-Draine
  5. TE Greg Dulcich
  6. OLB Dondrea Tillman
  7. DL Eyioma Uwazurike

Denver waived running back Blake Watson on Thursday, but if he clears waivers, the Broncos are expected to re-sign him to the practice squad.

[vertical-gallery id=620142]

Broncos depth chart for ‘Thursday Night Football’ vs. Saints

Here’s a look at the Broncos’ depth chart for Thursday’s game against the Saints.

The Denver Broncos are set to take on the New Orleans Saints on Thursday Night Football in Week 7.

Before the game, the Broncos activated outside linebacker Baron Browning (foot), right tackle Mike McGlinchey (MCL) and cornerback Damarri Mathis (ankle) from injured reserve to the active roster.

Additionally, Denver elevated linebacker Kwon Alexander and offensive lineman Calvin Throckmorton from the practice squad to the game-day roster and the team also waived running back Blake Watson.

Following those moves, here is the team’s (projected) updated depth chart:

Broncos offensive depth chart

WR Marvin Mims Troy Franklin
LT Garett Bolles Frank Crum
LG Ben Powers Alex Palczewski Calvin Throckmorton
C Alex Forsyth Calvin Throckmorton
RG Quinn Meinerz Alex Palczewski Calvin Throckmorton
RT Mike McGlinchey Matt Peart
TE Adam Trautman Greg Dulcich Lucas Krull
WR Courtland Sutton Lil’Jordan Humphrey Devaughn Vele
RB Javonte Williams Jaleel McLaughlin Audric Estime
FB Michael Burton Nate Adkins
QB Bo Nix Jarrett Stidham Zach Wilson

Broncos defensive depth chart

DE Zach Allen Jordan Jackson
NT D.J. Jones Malcolm Roach
DE John Franklin-Myers Eyioma Uwazurike
SLB Jonathon Cooper Jonah Elliss
WLB Nik Bonitto Baron Browning Dondrea Tillman
ILB Justin Strnad
ILB Cody Barton Levelle Bailey
LCB Pat Surtain Levi Wallace Tremon Smith
RCB Riley Moss Damarri Mathis Kris Abrams-Draine
NCB Ja’Quan McMillian
S P.J. Locke JL Skinner
S Brandon Jones Devon Key Keidron Smith

Broncos special teams depth chart

PK Wil Lutz
KO Wil Lutz
P Riley Dixon
H Riley Dixon
LS Mitchell Fraboni
KR Marvin Mims Tremon Smith Jaleel McLaughlin
PR Marvin Mims Tremon Smith

The Broncos’ game against the Saints will be streamed exclusively on Amazon’s Prime Video. Playing on the road, Denver is considered a slight underdog in Week 7.

[vertical-gallery id=620142]

Broncos QB Bo Nix excited about outlooks for Troy Franklin and Devaughn Vele

“We’re excited about those two,” Broncos QB Bo Nix said of rookie receivers Troy Franklin and Devaughn Vele.

After using their first-round draft pick to select Oregon quarterback Bo Nix this spring, the Denver Broncos later added two wide receivers. First, the Broncos picked Oregon receiver Troy Franklin in the fourth round, then they added Utah’s Devaughn Vele in the seventh round.

Both players impressed against the Los Angeles Chargers last week with Franklin scoring his first NFL touchdown and Vele leading the team with 78 receiving yards.

“We’re excited about those two,” Nix said after the game. “They’ve had great camps; they’ve had great seasons. They practice hard. They’re very smart players. They showed up today and played big in an important moment. There’s no flinch in their faces, there’s no batting their eyes. They’re really competitive players, smart players.

“[I’m] excited to see their growth as they continue to move forward. With those two, we’re going to have to count on and we need moving forward. They’re completely capable and ready to accept the challenge, and I’m excited to see it.”

There will be more opportunities for Franklin and Vele going forward after veteran Josh Reynolds was placed on injured reserve with a hand injury.

[vertical-gallery id=620142]

Sean Payton hints at more playing time for 3 Broncos players

Broncos coach Sean Payton said he wants to see Devaughn Vele, Troy Franklin and Audric Estime get opportunities going forward.

After falling behind early against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, the Denver Broncos battled back but came up short in a 23-16 loss.

There were several bright spots in the loss, including Devaughn Vele hauling in four receptions for 78 yards, fellow receiver Troy Franklin scoring his first touchdown and running back Audric Estime rushing twice for 13 yards right after returning from injured reserve.

After the game, coach Sean Payton said he was eager to see more from the three rookies going forward.

“We have to see these guys,” Payton said. “We are a young team. I want to see this runner as well. I want to see Estime. We are going to see Vele and we are going to see Franklin. We are not waiting to redshirt these guys. We will continue to see each week their involvement in the plan and how they fit. That is how you get confidence and get experience.”

It was easier to get Vele and Franklin more involved on offense in Week 6 after Josh Reynolds was placed on injured reserve following finger surgery. Payton pumped the breaks a little bit on the possibility of Estime getting a bigger workload during his Monday conference call.

“Estime, that [was] his first week off of the short-term IR,” Payton said. “Working with two backs and feeding two backs is easy, and kind of what I’m used to and what a lot of teams do. It’s hard with three.

“We did want to get him some work and get him some reps. Obviously, we would’ve liked more had we had more snaps. That’s a little bit bigger challenge maybe than the receiver position.”

So perhaps we won’t see a huge number of carries for Estime this week, but after Javonte Williams lost a fumble and dropped a pass on Sunday, Estime’s stock will be worth monitoring in the coming weeks. Vele and Franklin are already trending up.

[vertical-gallery id=620142]

5 takeaways from Broncos’ loss to Chargers in Week 6

The Broncos fell to the Chargers in Week 6. Here are five quick takeaways from the loss.

The Denver Broncos dropped to 3-3 on Sunday following a 23-16 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers at home. Here are five quick takeaways from Sunday’s game.

1. Pat Surtain’s exit was felt on defense: After PS2 left with a concussion, the secondary allowed Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert to have his first 200-yard passing game of 2024. Riley Moss held up well all things considered and Levi Wallace was fine, but Ja’Quan McMillian had a crucial penalty late in the game that hurt the team’s comeback effort. Surtain was missed on Sunday and he seems unlikely to play on Thursday.

2. Javonte Williams had a rough game: Williams averaged less than four yards per carry (3.8), lost a fumble and dropped a pass. Meanwhile, rookie Audric Estime returned from injured reserve and led the team’s backfield with 6.5 yards per carry (on a small sample size of two carries). Perhaps we’ll see more of Estime going forward.

3. The offensive line held up OK: Without right tackle Mike McGlinchey (or fill-in right tackle Alex Palczewski) or center Luke Wattenberg, the offensive line still turned in a respectable performance. Bo Nix often had time to throw, but he didn’t always take advantage of it. Nix was sacked twice, but Matt Peart (right tackle) and Alex Forsyth (center) were serviceable fill-in linemen this week.

4. Devaughn Vele picked up where he left off: Vele led the team in targets (eight) and catches (eight) in Week 1 and then went four straight games inactive, initially due to a ribs injury. After Josh Reynolds (hand) was placed on injured reserve, Vele returned to the lineup and he once again led the team in targets (six) and catches (four), tying with Courtland Sutton in both categories. Nix clearly trusts the rookie WR, and he could be featured in the offense going forward.

5. Bo Nix did his best Tim Tebow impression: Nix (and the entire offense) was invisible for the first half and even the third quarter. After scoring zero points through 45 minutes, Nix led three scoring drives in the fourth quarter, but the comeback bid fell short after a failed onside kick attempt. Nix ended the day 19-of-33 passing for 216 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. He also led the team with 61 rushing yards. If the Broncos are going to get back above .500, they’ll need Nix to start playing like it’s the fourth quarter from the first snap.

[vertical-gallery id=620142]

9 players did not play in Broncos’ game vs. Chargers

Nine Broncos players did not play on Sunday while Audric Estime and Devaughn Vele returned and Eyioma Uwazurike made his 2024 debut.

Nine members of the 53-man roster did not play in the Denver Broncos‘ 23-16 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.

Broncos quarterback Zach Wilson*, running back Blake Watson, cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine, safety JL Skinner, defensive back Keidron Smith, offensive tackle Alex Palczewski (ankle) and tight end Greg Dulcich were inactive in Week 6.

Everyone except Palczewski was a healthy scratch. Despite being inactive, Wilson still dressed as the team’s emergency third-string quarterback on Sunday.

Bo Nix played every snap on offense, so primary backup Jarrett Stidham also did not play, and backup offensive lineman Calvin Throckmorton was not called into action. That gave the Broncos nine total players who did not see the field against the Chargers.

Broncos who did not play in Week 6

  1. QB Zach Wilson (emergency third QB)
  2. RB Blake Watson
  3. CB Kris Abrams-Draine
  4. DB JL Skinner
  5. DB Keidron Smith
  6. OT Alex Palczewski (ankle)
  7. TE Greg Dulcich
  8. QB Jarrett Stidham (active)
  9. OL Calvin Throckmorton (active)

Audric Estime returned at running back after being activated from injured reserve, defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike was active for the first time this season and Devaughn Vele was back in the lineup after missing the last four games. Up next is a Thursday Night Football showdown with the New Orleans Saints in Week 7.

[vertical-gallery id=620142]