Week 9 – Page 6 – Syndication Server

Broncos’ 53-man roster for Ravens game in Week 9

Here’s a look at the Broncos’ updated 53-man roster ahead of their game against the Ravens in Week 9.

The Denver Broncos have set their 53-man roster ahead of Sunday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium.

NFL teams can elevate two players from the practice squad to the game-day roster each week. Denver called up linebacker Kwon Alexander and fullback Michael Burton this week. The Broncos also promoted offensive lineman Calvin Throckmorton to the active roster this week.

Here’s a look at the updated active roster following those moves.

Denver Broncos 53-man roster

Position	Name	Number
QB	Bo Nix	10
QB	Jarrett Stidham	8
QB	Zach Wilson	4
RB	Javonte Williams	33
RB	Jaleel McLaughlin	38
RB	Audric Estime	23
FB	Michael Burton	20
FB/TE	Nate Adkins	45
TE	Greg Dulcich	80
TE	Adam Trautman	82
TE	Lucas Krull	85
WR	Courtland Sutton	14
WR	Marvin Mims	19
WR	Troy Franklin	16
WR	Devaughn Vele	17
WR	Lil’Jordan Humphrey	84
OT	Garett Bolles	72
OT	Mike McGlinchey	69
OT	Frank Crum	73
OT	Alex Palczewski	63
OL	Matt Peart	79
G/C	Quinn Meinerz	77
G	Ben Powers	74
C/G	Alex Forsyth	54
OL	Calvin Throckmorton	76
DE	Zach Allen	99
DE	John Franklin-Myers	98
DL	D.J. Jones	93
DL	Malcolm Roach	97
DL	Eyioma Uwazurike	96
DL	Jordan Jackson	94
OLB	Jonathon Cooper	0
OLB	Nik Bonitto	15
OLB	Baron Browning	5
OLB	Jonah Elliss	52
OLB	Dondrea Tillman	92
ILB	Cody Barton	55
ILB	Justin Strnad	40
ILB	Levelle Bailey	56
ILB	Kwon Alexander	12
CB	Pat Surtain	2
CB	Ja’Quan McMillian	29
CB	Riley Moss	21
CB	Levi Wallace	39
CB	Kris Abrams-Draine	31
CB	Tremon Smith	1
CB	Damarri Mathis	27
DB	Devon Key	26
DB	Keidron Smith	43
S	Brandon Jones	22
S	P.J. Locke	6
S	JL Skinner	34
K	Wil Lutz	3
P	Riley Dixon	9
LS	Mitchell Fraboni	48

With a 53-man roster and a 17-player practice squad, Denver has 70 players under contract, plus several players on injured reserve.

[vertical-gallery id=620142]

Key question for Lions vs Packers game

Key question for the NFC North showdown between the Lions and Packers game in Week 9

How will rainy and windy weather impact the game?

The forecast for Sunday is a high of 54 degrees with 0.28 inches of rain and winds at 10-20mph.

JORDAN LOVE’S GROIN

The main impact of the weather may be on Jordan Love who is expected to play despite a questionable designation. Love’s groin injury is likely a strain of a hip flexor or hip adductor muscle.

If Love’s foot slips on the wet field, it could cause stretching of the injured muscle and an aggravation. Keep a close eye on his feet to see if there is slipping, and on his gait to see if any limping develops.

If Love’s groin worsens over the course of the game, Malik Willis would finish things out. Thus, the Lions need to be prepared to face either QB at a moment’s notice. Given the significant difference in play styles of the two QB’s with Willis much more likely to run, how well the Lions defense adjusts will be critical.

Willis has 16 carries for 137 yards this season while Love only has 10 carries for 28 yards.

RUNNING GAME FOR BOTH TEAMS

If the wind makes it hard to pass, it’s the running game of both teams that may decide first place in the division. The Packers starting center, Josh Myers, who played the entire last game, has a doubtful designation (wrist) which almost certainly means he’s out. On the other side of the ball, the Lions rookie 6th-round defensive tackle, Mekhi Wingo, has been ruled out with a surprise ankle injury suffered during the week.

Wingo has played 29% of defensive snaps this year so it’s no small loss. He’s not the only front-seven player missing from last game as linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez sprained his ankle and is out. Rodriguez has been an important run defender at the LB position having played 67% of snaps so far. Defensive end Josh Paschal will also be missing his 2nd straight game due to an unspecified illness.

The losses of Wingo, Rodriguez, and Paschal are just the latest woes to the Lions front-seven. Aidan Hutchinson, Marcus Davenport, Derrick Barnes, John Cominsky, and Kyle Peko have already been lost to injury this year. The Lions have been stout in run defense so far despite these losses, and that effectiveness likely will need to continue in order to win this game.

While the Lions RB’s are healthy, the Packers Josh Jacobs suffered an ankle injury in the last minute of the last game. I reviewed the game footage of his injury which was obscured so can’t say if it’s more likely a high ankle or low ankle sprain – a high ankle being much more concerning.

Jacobs had two limited practices this week and is listed as questionable but is expected to play. The health of his ankle will be a major factor in this game so keep an eye on that early.

This offseason, the Packers signed Jacobs as a free-agent and he has made a dynamic impact with 667 rushing yards at 4.6 yards per carry. If Jacobs can’t go, the Packers second leading rusher this season is Emanuel Wilson who has 226 yards at 4.4 yards per carry.

Falcons announce practice squad elevations for Week 9

Falcons announce two practice squad elevations ahead of Sunday’s game vs. the Dallas Cowboys

The Atlanta Falcons have elevated defensive back Natrone Brooks and outside linebacker Demone Harris from the practice squad ahead of Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys.

It will be the third week in a row that both Brooks and Harris have been elevated to the 53-man roster. Since practice squad players may only be elevated three times, Brooks and Harris must be signed to the active roster in order to play in any other games this season.

The Cowboys elevated running back Dalvin Cook and cornerback Josh Butler from their practice squad. Both players could see the field as Dallas is banged up at the cornerback and running back positions entering Sunday’s contest.

Ezekiel Elliott was ruled out for violating team policy, so look for Cook to get some reps in relief of Rico Dowdle. The Cowboys could also be without guard Zack Martin and cornerback Trevon Diggs in Week 9.

The Falcons are in better shape than Dallas, but they won’t be getting center Drew Dalman back in time for Sunday’s game. Despite being designated to return, Dalman was ruled out by the team on Saturday.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=1360]

Recapping the 5 roster moves Broncos made ahead of Ravens game

Calvin Throckmorton was promoted to the 53-man roster and Michael Burton and Kwon Alexander were elevated to the game-day roster for Week 9.

The Denver Broncos made five roster moves ahead of their showdown with the Baltimore Ravens, including three transactions involving the same player.

First, the Broncos released fullback Michael Burton from the 53-man roster on Friday. Denver then promoted offensive lineman Calvin Throckmorton from the practice squad to the active roster, filling Burton’s old spot.

The Broncos brought Burton back on Saturday, signing him to the practice squad. The fullback and offensive linemen essentially swapped spots this week.

Denver then elevated Burton and linebacker Kwon Alexander from the practice squad to the game-day roster for Week 9. Burton and Alexander will revert back to the practice squad on Monday.

Broncos roster moves

Cut FB Michael Burton from 53-man roster
Promoted OL Calvin Throckmorton to 53-man roster
Signed FB Michael Burton to practice squad
Elevated LB Kwon Alexander to game-day roster
Elvataed FB Michael Burton to game-day roster

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.

[vertical-gallery id=620142]

Broncos elevate 2 players from practice squad for Ravens game

The Broncos have elevated LB Kwon Alexander and FB Michael Burton from the practice squad to the game-day roster for Week 9.

The Denver Broncos are calling up some reinforcements from the practice squad ahead of their Week 9 showdown with the Baltimore Ravens.

The Broncos elevated linebacker Kwon Alexander and fullback Michael Burton from the practice squad to the game-day roster on Saturday. They will revert back to the practice squad on Monday.

Players can be elevated up to three times during the season without having to clear waivers to return to the practice squad. This will mark Alexander’s third and final practice squad elevation. He’s likely a candidate to be fully promoted to the 53-man roster next week. This is Burton’s second practice squad elevation in 2024.

Alexander rotates with Justin Strand at linebacker next to Cody Barton. Burton was cut from the active roster on Friday and re-signed to the practice squad on Saturday before being elevated to the game-day roster. He’ll continue serving as the team’s fullback.

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.

[vertical-gallery id=620142]

Broncos sign familiar face to practice squad

After being cut from the 53-man roster on Friday, fullback Michael Burton signed with the Broncos’ practice squad on Saturday.

The Denver Broncos signed veteran fullback Michael Burton to their practice squad on Saturday, the team announced.

Burton, 32, was released from the 53-man roster on Friday to make room for offensive lineman Calvin Throckmorton to be promoted from the practice squad to the active roster.

Throckmorton will serve as the team’s backup center behind Alex Forsyth against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. After re-joining the team on the practice squad, Burton was immediately elevated to the game-day roster for Week 9, so he’ll also play against the Ravens this weekend.

Burton started the season on Denver’s practice squad and he was elevated to the game-day roster in Week 1. This will mark his second elevation of the season. The Broncos can elevate Burton from the practice squad one more time in 2024. He will likely end up back on the 53-man roster later this season.

Burton has played 149 snaps on special teams and 80 snaps on offense this fall. Used primarily as a blocker, Burton has totaled five receptions for 40 yards through eight games this season.

[vertical-gallery id=620142]

Causes for concern as the Bills face the Dolphins in Week 9

The Buffalo Bills will host the Miami Dolphins in Week 9 at Highmark Stadium.

The Bills (6-2) and Dolphins (2-5) meet for the second time this year and have largely been trending in different directions.

In their first meeting, the Bills won convincingly, 31-10. This week, the Bills are favored by six points.

Even though Buffalo blew Miami out in Week 2 and is favored to win this time around, there are always a few things that make executing difficult each week. The Bills will need to be wary of them.

Here are three causes for concern for the Bills in Week 9:

Miami has their QB back

The Dolphins looked like a bottom-of-the-barrel NFL team without their starting quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa. After he left Week 2’s loss to the Bills due to a concussion, the offense fell apart as he was forced to miss the next four games. In the games without him, they averaged just 10 points per game.

He made his return last week and the Dolphins scored 27 points in a loss to the Arizona Cardinals. He is the difference maker for the Dolphins. He and head coach Mike McDaniel haven’t had success against the Bills, but with him under center, they can’t be taken lightly.

Dolphins running game

Even though the Dolphins have had poor offensive performances as of late, they have still found success running the football. Especially with second-year running back De’Von Achane.

Achane has averaged 87 rushing yards per game and almost seven yards per carry in the Dolphins’ last two games.

In the Week 2 loss to the Bills, Achane was the lone bright spot on the offense. He ran for 96 yards and added 69 receiving yards and a touchdown through the air.

Running back Raheem Mostert has hurt the Bills in the past, too. And they have another speedster to look out for in rookie Jaylen Wright.

The desperation factor

If not now for the Dolphins, then when?

The Dolphins need a win in the worst way. Slipping to 2-6 would have them toeing the line of a forgotten season just eight games in. Frustrations are mounting for both the team and its fans.

The Dolphins have a tall task to go into Buffalo and come away with the win. The last time they won in Orchard Park, Rex Ryan was in charge of the Bills. But, they will be emptying the clip in hopes of turning their season around. Expect different looks and desperate measures from the Dolphins.

[lawrence-related id=142350,142390,142420]

Lions vs. Packers viewing map shows the national appeal

Lions vs. Packers viewing map shows the national appeal, with almost every market in the country showing the game

The Detroit Lions travel to Green Bay to play the Packers in a late-afternoon kick on Sunday that figures to be one of the most-watched NFL games of the season to date. While the undeniable appeal of two of the NFC’s top squads is part of it, the ratings should also get a boost from a very favorable broadcast map.

Despite not technically being a “national” game, the Lions vs. Packers will be shown almost everywhere in the United States in Week 9. In the map below from 506Sports, all the markets in red will have the critical NFC North clash as the broadcast on their local FOX affiliate. FOX’s top broadcast team of Kevin Burkhardt and Tom Brady will have the call, too.

The outlier game, the one destined for the media markets in blue, is the Rams vs. Seahawks matchup. That’s also a big game for the NFL playoff picture, but it pales in comparison to the expected draw of the Lions (who beat both Seattle and Los Angeles already) and Green Bay.

Packers Wire staff predictions: Week 9 vs. Lions

Predictions from the Packers Wire staff on the Packers’ Week 9.showdown with the Lions.

The Green Bay Packers (6-2) and Detroit Lions (6-1) will do battle on Sunday at Lambeau Field with first place in the NFC North on the line. Can Matt LaFleur’s team extend the win streak to five games entering the bye week, or will the surging Lions send the Packers to an 0-2 start inside the division?

Quarterback Jordan Love (groin) is listed as questionable, but he practiced on Thursday and Friday and is trending towards being available for Sunday.

Here’s how the staff at Packers Wire believes the Week 9 showdown with the Lions will go down:

Zach Kruse: Packers 23, Lions 20 (4-4)

The Lions are a freight train, but the expected weather conditions in Green Bay for Sunday give the Packers — who are dealing with several key injuries — a real chance to pull off the upset. The Lions are headed outside for the first time this season, and Jared Goff isn’t nearly the same quarterback outdoors, which could lower some of the ridiculous offensive efficiency the Lions have created this season. Still, this is a tough matchup. The Lions are an elite rushing offense, and playmakers on the backend (Kerby Joseph, Brian Branch) create turnover concerns for Jordan Love, who is likely to be at less than 100 percent. Can the Packers get a takeaway or two and consistently win along the line of scrimmage? Matt LaFleur’s team has won in so many different ways this season, and I think the experience dealing with so much adversity pays off Sunday. In a sloppy showdown at a rainy Lambeau Field, the Packers escape with a huge division win going into the bye.

Brandon Carwile: Lions 28, Packers 23 (6-2)

For starters, I think the game will be close regardless of whether Jordan Love plays or not. However, it may not change the result. Detroit is one of the best teams in the NFL and has won four of the last five games against Green Bay. And while the Packers’ defense has been a pleasant surprise this season, the dual backfield of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery will be a significant challenge. It’ll undoubtedly be the best one-two punch Green Bay has faced this season and Jared Goff is also playing some of the best ball of his career. Offensively, if Love plays, he won’t be at 100 percent. To keep up with the Lions’ top-scoring offense, Josh Jacobs would need to have a huge game but that won’t be easy facing a top five run defense. I think the Packers are good enough to beat Detroit, but they are a little too banged up on both sides of the ball to pull out a win this week.

Brennen Rupp: Lions 23, Packers 20 (7-1)

Detroit is playing like the best team in the NFC right now. Over their last four games they’ve averaged 43 points per game and scored over 42 points in three of those four games. The Packers will have to limit the mistakes in this game if they’re going to stand a chance and through eight games, there is little evidence to suggest they’ll be able to do that. There are no moral victories at 1265 Lombardi Avenue, but if Jeff Hafley’s squad is able to slow down Detroit’s offense (which I think they will), that will have to have Green Bay feeling confident that they may finally have a defense that can help them win games in December and January.

Writer	Prediction	Score	Record
Zach Kruse	Win	23-20	4-4
Brandon Carwile	Loss	28-23	6-2
Brennen Rupp	Loss	23-20	7-1

Broncos vs. Ravens video preview and game picks

Most experts have picked the Ravens to beat the Broncos on Sunday.

The Baltimore Ravens (5-3) will host the Denver Broncos (5-3) in Week 9 of the 2024 NFL season on Sunday afternoon. Check out NFL.com’s preview (and expert game picks) in the below video, courtesy of the league’s official YouTube channel.

After taking on the Ravens, the schedule doesn’t get any easier as the Broncos will then face the Kansas City Chiefs on the road in Week 10.

[vertical-gallery id=620142]