The Denver Broncos will open the 2024 NFL season this Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks, but an 18-week regular season is virtually impossible to get through with the same 53 players. That means that practice squad players will be asked to chip in.
In recent years with the number of injuries — and particularly since the COVID pandemic — teams have had to rely heavily upon their practice squads.
The Broncos have set their 17-player practice squad. Many of these players will be called upon for regular-season action this year. How many of them will make an impact?
Broncos will get big contributions from some practice squad players in 2024
Donald Parham, TE
When teams around the league reduced their rosters to 53 players, several other teams swooped in and picked up their scraps.
After four seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers, Donald Parham was part of those cuts. The Broncos have had an issue with production out of the tight end position for years and if Greg Dulcich struggles with injuries again this season, the team could easily turn to the 6-foot-8 Parham who is a big weapon in the red zone.
Former Broncos cornerback Chris Harris Jr. approved of the move.
That’s a Steal he will be Starting shortly https://t.co/k0zlQeBbeT
— Chris Harris (@ChrisHarrisJr) August 31, 2024
Levelle Bailey, LB
Levelle Bailey made the initial 53-man roster in Denver but the team chose to snag Kristian Welch after he was cut by the Green Bay Packers. Bailey cleared waivers and will now have more time to develop on the practice squad.
Bailey has an exciting future ceiling and will likely see some time on the main roster this season.
Dondrea Tillman, Edge
Dondrea Tillman had a good summer for the Broncos after the team signed him out of the UFL, where he was part of the spring league dynasty that has been built with the Birmingham Stallions.
The Broncos kept four edge rushers on the roster. Rookie Jonah Elliss, Nik Bonitto, Jonathon Cooper and Baron Browning. If any of the latter three struggle or have to miss time with injuries, Tillman will be one of the first players on the practice squad brought up to see if he can create a spark.
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