The Denver Broncos have activated linebacker Drew Sanders from the physically unable perform list to the 53-man roster, according to a report from KUSA-TV’s Mike Klis.
Sanders (6-4, 233 pounds) was picked by the Broncos in the third round of the 2023 NFL draft out of Arkansas. He started four games at inside linebacker out of necessity as a rookie before being moved to outside linebacker.
Sanders tore his Achilles this spring but has since recovered and he returned to practice three weeks ago. Denver had room for him on the active roster after waiving tight end Greg Dulcich on Tuesday (Dulcich was picked up by the New York Giants).
Now the Broncos will have to decide which position Sanders will play following his return.
“It’s a work in progress,” Denver general manager George Paton said when asked about Sanders’ position on Feb. 27. “We thought he finished well on the edge. We’re going sit down with Drew and the coaches, and we’ve had those meetings. I think he’ll probably end up on the edge, but he has the flexibility. He’s so talented. It’s hard. It’s kind of like Baron Browning. We interviewed a kid last night from Notre Dame who’s played inside and outside. It’s a blessing and sometimes it’s a curse because he can’t get settled in at one position. Once we left Drew at outside, he finished strong and so we feel good about Drew moving forward.”
Broncos inside linebackers Kwon Alexander and Zach Cunningham are both out of practice squad elevations and the team has strong depth at outside linebacker, so Sanders could help the team the most at inside linebacker.
If they believe his best fit is as an edge defender, though, it wouldn’t make sense to play Sanders out of position. We’ll see how Denver handles his position in the coming days. Sanders could make his 2024 debut as soon as Monday when the Broncos host the Cleveland Browns in Week 13.
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