Tag: safety

Broncos make first of several roster moves on deck this week

The Broncos waived safety Keidron Smith on Tuesday. More roster moves are on deck this week.

The Denver Broncos have made the first of at least two roster moves on deck this week ahead of their game against the Atlanta Falcons.

The Broncos waived safety Keidron Smith on Tuesday, the team announced. Smith (6-2, 210 pounds) is a 25-year-old defensive back who made the 53-man roster after impressing during preseason this summer. He dressed for eight games this fall, totaling six tackles. Smith played 11 snaps on defense and 107 snaps on special teams before being waived.

Denver now has four safeties remaining on the active roster: Brandon Jones, P.J. Locke, Devon Key and JL Skinner. Delarrin Turner-Yell is currently on the physically unable to perform list, but he returned to practice last week. Turner-Yell will have one more week of eligibility to return to the 53-man roster.

Broncos fullback Michael Burton and linebacker Kwon Alexander are both out of practice squad elevations, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see one of them promoted to the active roster to take Smith’s old spot. If he clears waivers, Denver will undoubtedly attempt to re-sign Smith to the practice squad.

In addition to Burton, Alexander and Turner-Yell, wide receiver Josh Reynolds (finger), linebacker Drew Sanders (Achilles) and running back Tyler Badie (back) are also candidates to return to the 53-man roster in the coming weeks. Denver will have to make room for the returning players, and Smith was the first domino to fall.

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Report: Steelers releasing former first-round pick

The Steelers released Terrell Edmunds, marking his second departure from Pittsburgh after stints with multiple teams since 2023.

In what can only be described as shocking, to say the least, the Pittsburgh Steelers have released former first-round draft pick Terrell Edmunds, selected in the 2018 NFL Draft.

This marks the second time Edmunds has departed from the Steel City, as he left on his own terms in 2023 to sign with the Philadelphia Eagles during free agency.

Edmunds ultimately bounced around from Philadelphia to Tennessee and then to Jacksonville before returning to Pittsburgh in September 2024.

The former first-rounder made appearances in Weeks 4 through 8 for the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2024 season, playing 63 defensive snaps. According to the infamous and always polarizing Pro Football Focus, Edmunds performed solidly in these four games, earning a respectable 71.7 grade.

It is disappointing that Edmunds’ second stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers didn’t pan out, but the former first-round safety is only 27 years old and still has some of his best football ahead of him.

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NFL fines Broncos safety Devon Key $4,417 for facemask penalty

The NFL fined Broncos safety Devon Key $4,417 for his facemask penalty against the Ravens in Week 9.

The NFL has fined Denver Broncos safety Devon Key $4,417 for his facemask penalty in the second quarter of last week’s game against the Baltimore Ravens, according to multiple reports.

Key was featured in Denver’s secondary over the last two weeks while P.J. Locke recovered from a thumb injury. Locke has since been cleared to return to the starting lineup (with a cast) against the Kansas City Chiefs this weekend. Key totaled 14 tackles over the last two games.

Earlier this season, Denver defensive lineman Malcolm Roach ($25,324), safety P.J. Locke ($27,944), defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers ($14,069), safety Brandon Jones ($11,255), outside linebacker Nik Bonitto ($8,791), fullback Mike Burton ($7,653), center Luke Wattenberg ($5,872) and tight end Lucas Krull ($5,083) also received fines from the NFL.

The money the league receives from fines is “donated to the Professional Athletes Foundation to support Legends in need and the NFL Foundation to further support the health, safety and wellness of athletes across all levels,” per the NFL.

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Broncos scouts are zeroing in on these college football teams

Broncos scouts have been paying close attention to Oregon and Washington games this fall. Here are the prospects to know from those schools.

Going into this weekend’s slate of college football games, the Denver Broncos have spent more time scouting the Oregon Ducks and Arizona Wildcats than any other college football programs.

That’s according to NFL draft pundit John Vogel, who reported last week that Denver scouts have attended three Oregon games and three Wildcats games this fall. Broncos general manager George Paton also attended the Washington Huskies game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in September.

The most notable prospect among the four colleges mentioned is Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, the top receiver in the 2025 class. The Wildcats’ offense also features offensive lineman Jonah Savaiinaea.

Oregon has a host of prospects who could interest Denver’s staff, including receivers Tez Johnson and Evan Stewart, offensive tackles Josh Conerly and Ajani Cornelius, defensive linemen Derrick Harmon and Jordan Burch, and running back Jordan James.

Washington’s prospects of note include running back Jonah Coleman, safety Kamren Fabiculanan and receiver Giles Jackson. Meanwhile, the Rutgers’ offense features offensive tackle Hollin Pierce and running back Kyle Monangai.

With Broncos scouts and executives checking in on those programs, the above players will be worth monitoring this fall. The 2025 NFl draft will be held in Green Bay from April 24-26. Denver holds seven picks.

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Robert Spears-Jennings Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded safety from Week 10

After a strong performance vs. Maine, Oklahoma’s Robert Spears-Jennings was the highest-graded safety from Week 10.

It’s been a breakout season for Tulsa native and former four-star prospect Robert Spears-Jennings. After spending his first two seasons in a rotational role, he’s become a starter for the Sooners and one of the best players on their defense.

Against Maine, Spears-Jennings had another strong performance and earned the highest grade from Pro Football Focus among Power Four safeties.

On just 21 snaps, he recorded a tackle, forced fumble, and fumble recovery. He was targeted just one time in coverage, allowed zero receptions, and had a pass breakup.

Pro Football Focus has Spears-Jennings as the Sooners highest-graded player in 2024. He’s third on the team in snaps and second in total tackles with 52. He’s also recorded four tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks this season. Spears-Jennings also has an interception and leads the Sooners in forced fumbles with four.

He’s been a revelation to the Sooners secondary, providing a blend of speed and physicality on the back end. Oklahoma will need Robert Spears-Jennings to continue his stellar play this week against Missouri and in their final two games against Alabama and LSU.

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow John on X @john9williams.

Is T.J. Watt’s dominant start foreshadowing another D.P.O.Y award?

T.J. Watt’s 2024 campaign showcases dominance, aiming for his second D.P.O.Y. award with elite performances in his 8 games played.

T.J. Watt continues to prove week in and week out that he is a force to be reckoned with for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Whether he is sacking the quarterback, forcing a fumble, or stuffing the run, one thing remains certain—Watt is inevitable.

Watt’s 2024 resume speaks for itself. Through 8 games played, his four forced fumbles are tied for first, his ten tackles for loss are tied for second, his nine QB hits are tied for fifth, and his six and a half sacks are tied for ninth.

The former 2021 D.P.O.Y. winner is looking to build on this fantastic statistical output and put together an undeniable campaign to win the illustrious award for a second time.

DraftKings currently has Watt as the odds-on favorite to win the award through nine weeks, ahead of elite defenders such as Kansas City Chiefs’ DT Chris Jones, New York Giants’ DT Dexter Lawrence, Houston Texans’ EDGE Will Anderson Jr., and Detroit Lions Safety Kerby Joseph.

Can Watt achieve his second D.P.O.Y. award in 2024, or will his efforts result in him being snubbed once again?

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Broncos vs. Ravens injury report: Denver safety ruled out for Week 9

Ravens QB Lamar Jackson (back/knee) has been cleared for Sunday. Broncos DB P.J. Locke (thumb) has been ruled out.

Denver Broncos starting safety P.J. Locke (thumb) has been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens. Devon Key is expected to start in Locke’s place against the Ravens.

Elsewhere on the injury front, right tackle Mike McGlinchey (knee) fully participated in Friday’s practice session and he’s been cleared to play.

Meanwhile, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (back/knee) returned to practice on Friday after sitting out on Wednesday and Thursday. Jackson told reporters in Baltimore that his status for Sunday was “never in doubt.” The QB said sitting out two days this week was “just resting my body.” Jackson was not given a game status designation on Friday, so he is officially cleared to play.

View Denver’s complete injury report below. DNP = did not participate.

Broncos injury report

Player Wed Thur Fri Game Status
OT Alex Palczewski (ankle) Full Full Full
CB Pat Surtain (ankle) Full Full Full
DE Zach Allen (NIR – rest) Limited Full Full
DB Delarrin Turner-Yell (knee) Limited Full Full Out
OT Mike McGlinchey (knee) DNP Limited Full
DB P.J. Locke DNP DNP DNP Out

Sunday’s game will be regionally televised on CBS (TV broadcast map). Playing on the road, Denver is considered a big underdog in Week 9.

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Broncos release injury report: Starting safety still sidelined

Broncos safety P.J. Locke (thumb) missed practice again on Thursday.

Denver Broncos starting safety P.J. Locke (thumb) missed practice again on Thursday while right tackle Mike McGlinchey (knee) returned to practice.

Devon Key played in the place of Locke last week and he totaled five tackles. Alex Palczewski started three games in the place of an injured McGlinchey earlier this season. McGlinchey and Palczewski are now both healthy.

As for the Baltimore Ravens, quarterback Lamar Jackson (back/knee) missed practice again on Thursday. His status will be a big storyline to watch going into the weekend.

View Denver’s complete injury report below. DNP = did not participate.

Broncos injury report

Player Wed Thur Fri Game Status
OT Alex Palczewski (ankle) Full Full
CB Pat Surtain (ankle) Full Full
DE Zach Allen (NIR – rest) Limited Full
FB Mike Burton (foot) Limited Limited
DB Delarrin Turner-Yell (knee) Limited Full
OT Mike McGlinchey (knee) DNP Limited
DB P.J. Locke DNP DNP

The Broncos will practice again on Friday before releasing a final injury report with game statuses for Sunday’s showdown in Baltimore.

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Steelers’ HOF safety returning to Pittsburgh in Week 11

2020 Hall of Fame inductee S Donnie Shell has been confirmed to be in attendance for Pittsburgh’s Week 11 contest against Baltimore.

Plenty of familiar faces have returned to the city of Pittsburgh this season to watch their former team and participate in pre-game tailgate activities with fans. Former Steelers such as WR Antonio Brown, RB Le’Veon Bell, and K Jeff Reed have all attended the Terrible Tailgate—an amazing fan-organized tailgate experience for the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

On social media, the Terrible Tailgate has announced that on November 17th, Week 11’s home game versus the Baltimore Ravens, the game will feature an extra special guest for fans to meet—2020 Hall of Fame safety Donnie Shell. 

While initially teasing the mystery HOF guest, the Terrible Tailgate provided fans with exactly who the Steelers legend in question is through the ticket sales information.

Shell was a vital part of the legendary Steel Curtain defense in the 1970s, helping the team win four Super Bowl during his tenure with the team.  Donnie ‘Torpedo’ Shell was one of the hardest-hitting safeties the NFL has ever seen, and is beloved to Pittsburgh fans all over the world.

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Broncos injury report: Window opens for safety to return from PUP

Broncos safety Delarrin Turner-Yell (ACL) returned to practice today, starting his 21-day window to return from the PUP list.

Denver Broncos safety Delarrin Turner-Yell returned to practice on Wednesday, officially starting his 21-day window to return from the physically unable to perform list.

Turner-Yell tore his ACL and meniscus in Week 17 last season. The Broncos now have three weeks to active him to the 53-man roster. If Turner-Yell is not activated within three weeks, he will remain on reserve for the rest of the season.

Denver has one other player — linebacker Drew Sanders (Achilles) — on the PUP list. He’s apparently not ready to open his practice window yet.

Elsewhere on the injury front, safety P.J. Locke (thumb) did not practice Wednesday and right tackle Mike McGlinchey (knee) was also held out.

As for the Baltimore Ravens, quarterback Lamar Jackson (back/knee) did not practice on Wednesday. Ravens coach John Harbaugh described Jackson’s absence as a rest day.

View the team’s complete injury report below. DNP = did not participate.

Broncos injury report

Player Wed Thur Fri Game Status
OT Alex Palczewski (ankle) Full
CB Pat Surtain (ankle) Full
DE Zach Allen (NIR – rest) Limited
FB Mike Burton (foot) Limited
DB Delarrin Turner-Yell (knee) Limited
OT Mike McGlinchey (knee) DNP
DB P.J. Locke DNP

The Broncos will practice again on Thursday and Friday before releasing a final injury report with game statuses for Sunday’s game in Baltimore.

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