Broncos WR Tyrie Cleveland gets good news after scary injury

Broncos WR Tyrie Cleveland has a sprained ankle — not as bad as it appeared to be.

Denver Broncos wide receiver Tyrie Cleveland was carted off the field on Monday after suffering a serious-looking injury on the final play of practice.

After undergoing an MRI, Cleveland tweeted good news on Monday evening confirming that the injury is not as bad as it could have been.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport later tweeted that Cleveland suffered a sprained ankle. Cleveland might be sidelined for a bit, but it’s not a season-ending injury or an injury that should need surgery.

Cleveland (6-2, 209 pounds) played college football at Florida and was selected by the Broncos in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL draft.

Cleveland appeared in 10 games as a rookie, catching six passes for 63 yards. He then appeared in seven games last year and did not record any offensive stats, but he did play play on 49% of the team’s special teams snaps in 2021.

The Broncos have a deep wide receiver room, so Cleveland’s biggest contributions have come on special teams. Dwayne Stukes, Denver’s new special teams coordinator, listed Cleveland among the team’s core special teams players during a press conference in April.

Cleveland, who’s set to turn 25 in September, will become a free agent next spring.

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Broncos made two roster moves ahead of ‘Sunday Night Football’

Broncos activated RB Damarea Crockett to 53-man roster and cut WR Tyrie Cleveland. Denver also ruled out RB Melvin Gordon.

The Denver Broncos made a pair of roster moves on Saturday afternoon ahead of their “Sunday Night Football” clash with the Kansas City Chiefs. Here’s a quick recap of Denver’s recent buzz going into the AFC West showdown.

Former Gator Tyrie Cleveland promoted to Broncos’ 53-man roster

Tyrie Cleveland is back on the Broncos 53-man roster just ahead of a Thursday Night Football matchup with the Browns.

The Denver Broncos promoted former Gator Tyrie Cleveland to the 53-man roster ahead of Thursday’s game against the Cleveland Browns.

Cleveland has appeared in two games already for Denver this year, totaling 37 snaps across offense and special teams. As a rookie in 2020, he brought in six receptions for 63 yards in 10 games. He has yet to notch a reception this year, but Cleveland could see some targets on Thursday. It hasn’t been easy for him, but Cleveland is getting more opportunities with injuries mounting up for the Broncos.

Things were up and down for Cleveland at Florida. After a decent freshman year, Cleveland led the 2017 Gators in receiving yards as a sophomore. After Dan Mullen came in, his production dropped in favor of guys such as Van Jefferson and Kyle Pitts.

One of Cleveland’s best moments as a Gator came against LSU in 2016 as a freshman when he brought in a 98-yard, game-winning touchdown. The 16-10 victory put Florida on top of the SEC East, which is far from where the Gators are currently. He also famously caught the Heave the Cleve throw from Feleipe Franks in 2017 to beat the Tennessee Volunteers.

Cleveland will take the field at 8:20 p.m. EDT as the Broncos and Browns face off on FOX.

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Broncos make 2 roster moves, unlikely to play Jerry Jeudy this week

The Broncos’ roster moves at wide receiver Wednesday seem to suggest Jerry Jeudy won’t play on Thursday evening.

The Denver Broncos made two roster moves at wide receiver ahead of their “Thursday Night Football” showdown with the Cleveland Browns on Wednesday. The moves seem to suggest wide receiver Jerry Jeudy won’t play in Week 7.

Broncos protect 4 practice squad players for Week 5

The Broncos protected WR Tyrie Cleveland, LB Curtis Robinson, C/G Austin Schlottmann and WR Seth Williams on the practice squad this week.

The Denver Broncos have protected four practice squad players ahead of their Week 5 showdown with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Denver protected wide receiver Tyrie Cleveland, linebacker Curtis Robinson, guard/center Austin Schlottmann and wide receiver Seth Williams, according to the NFL’s transaction wire. The Broncos also signed receiver Josh Malone to the practice squad on Tuesday.

Cleveland and Williams were likely protected in case receiver/returner Diontae Spencer (chest) has not recovered in time for Sunday’s game. Schlottmann was likely protected in case Graham Glasgow (knee) is ruled out again this week.

Denver’s protected players are not allowed to leave the Broncos’ practice squad to join another team’s active roster this week. The unprotected players can leave the team if offered a spot on another team’s 53-man roster.

Last week, Denver signed wide receiver David Moore off the Las Vegas Raiders’ practice squad. Moore might now be poised to serve as the team’s No. 3 receiver as an injury replacement.

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4 ways the Broncos can replace injured WR KJ Hamler

Trade candidates, free agents and practice squad WRs could come into play or the Broncos.

After losing KJ Hamler (torn ACL), the Denver Broncos will need to add more depth at wide receiver this week. Here’s a quick look at four different ways the Broncos can address the situation.

These five former Gators were part of the recent NFL roster cuts

A handful of Florida alumni were cut from their NFL teams this weekend.

It’s almost time for the NFL to begin its season, and with that comes the paring down of rosters. A few former Gators received the unfortunate news this weekend, including Cam Newton.

Most remember Newton in college from his Heisman campaign at Auburn in 2010, but he played behind Tim Tebow at Florida during the 2008 national championship season before a legal issue forced his departure from the university. The 2015 NFL MVP is one of the most high-profile players to be cut so far as he was expected to help transition Mac Jones in as the future quarterback in New England.

Another former Gators quarterback was waived in Will Grier. Grier backed up Jeff Driskel in 2014 but was suspended for PED use in the following year. He then transferred to West Virginia and wound up drafted by the Carolina Panthers in 2019. There’s a chance he makes Carolina’s practice squad if he isn’t claimed.

The Panthers also waived offensive tackle Martez Ivey, who played for the Gators until 2018. After going undrafted and being cut in the preseason by the Patriots in 2019, Ivey joined the Tampa Bay Vipers of the XFL until the league folded.

The Denver Broncos waived Tyrie Cleveland after drafting him in the seventh round in 2020.  He might be best remembered by Gators fans for catching a game-winning Hail Mary from Felipe Franks (who made the cut for the Atlanta Falcons) against Tennessee in 2017.

Finally,  the Miami Dolphins released Jordan Scarlett, who they signed to a reserve/future contract in January.

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Three former Florida Gators receivers land on final NFL rosters

Coach Dan Mullen said having three receivers selected in a single draft is important in demonstrating the value of Florida to recruits.

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NFL teams have finalized their 53-man rosters ahead of this weekend’s kickoff of the 2020 football season, and the three Gators receivers who were drafted all earned final roster spots.

Van Jefferson, who was taken in the second round, had a strong camp with the Los Angeles Rams and could be battling for a starting receiver spot this fall. Meanwhile, Freddie Swain and Tyrie Cleveland, who were selected in the sixth and seventh rounds by the Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos, respectively, each made their squad’s final roster as well.

The 2020 NFL draft was the first draft since 1978 in which three Florida receivers were selected. Strong receiver play was a big reason for UF’s success through the air in 2019, which was its best passing season in nearly 20 years.

Coach Dan Mullen said having three receivers selected in a single draft is important in demonstrating the value of Florida to recruits.

“I think it’s a huge deal because I think, you know what, when guys look at it, and our guys, thankfully they bought into it and now they all reap the rewards on it,” Mullen said. “I think that especially (when) you get out on the recruiting trail and you’re looking at people that are; you’re calling these different receivers and they’re like, ‘Well, coach this school, they had the one guy get all these catches’ and I said, ‘OK, well what if you’re not the one… or how many different people are saying they are the one?’

“And you come play at Florida, you’re not only going to get coached, you’re going to get developed and have the opportunity to go and get touches on the field and the opportunity to go on to the next level and play in the NFL.”

Another Gators receiver, Josh Hammond, went undrafted but signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent. He didn’t make Jacksonville’s final roster, but he cleared waivers and was signed to the team’s practice squad.

Though Swain and Cleveland may not see much action as rookies outside of special teams play, Jefferson could be an important target for Jared Goff in the Rams’ passing offense.

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3 Broncos players pick jersey numbers for 2020 NFL season

See what numbers these Broncos players will wear this season.

After the Denver Broncos finalized a 53-man roster, two players changed jersey numbers and one new arrival picked his number.

New linebacker Austin Calitro picked No. 53.

That number was previously worn by Malik Carney, who didn’t make the 53-man roster. Carney has a tryout scheduled with the Jaguars. Randy Gradishar (1976-1983) and Bill Romanowski  (1996-2001) are the most notable Denver linebackers who have worn No. 53.

Rookie guard Netane Muti switched from No. 73 to No. 52, the number he wore in college.

That number was previously worn by Justin Hollins, who was claimed off waivers by Rams after being cut on Saturday. Before Hollins, the number was worn by Corey Nelson (2014-2017) and Wesley Woodyard (2011-2013). Randy Gradishar (1974-1975) and Ian Gold (2000-2007) are the most notable Broncos linebackers who have worn No. 52.

Rookie receiver Tyrie Cleveland switched from No. 86 to No. 16.

That number was previously worn by Kelvin McKnight (2019), Isaiah McKenzie (2018) and Bennie Fowler (2015-2017). Jake Plummer (2003-2006) and Tom Rouen (1993-2002) are the most notable Denver players who have worn No. 16.

Cleveland will contribute on special teams this season.

Broncos WR Tyrie Cleveland is getting ‘a little bit better each day’

Broncos rookie wide receiver Tyrie Cleveland is getting better every day at training camp.

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Because the Broncos have so much depth at wide receiver, seventh-round draft pick Tyrie Cleveland will be a longshot to make the 53-man roster. To have a better chance of making the team, Cleveland will need to impress and training camp and make an impact on special teams.

So far, Cleveland is trending in the right direction.

“I’ve liked him so far,” coach Vic Fangio said after practice on Aug. 20. “What I’ve liked is I think he’s gotten a little bit better each day since he’s been here all the way back to the early group of training camp. I just think he’s gotten a little bit better and better each day. I like his demeanor. I like his work ethic.

“I think he’s a guy that will bring special teams value if he’s a guy that suits up on game day if he makes the team. I like where he’s at right now. Hopefully he won’t level off. Hopefully he’ll continue to improve.”

In four seasons at Florida, Cleveland caught 79 passes for 1,271 yards and eight touchdowns. He’s competing for one of the last spots on the roster.

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