Broncos Place Josh Reynolds, Luke Wattenberg On IR, Activate Audric Estime
Josh Reynolds recently underwent finger surgery, and it will keep him sidelined for a notable period. The Broncos wideout was placed on injured reserve Saturday, per a team announcement. 
Reynolds had already been ruled out for Week 6, with further missed time being on the table. Today’s move confirms he will be sidelined for at least the next four games, something which will create a notable vacancy in Denver’s receiving corps. The free agent pickup’s 138 yards rank second on the team this season.
Finding production through the air will be a key goal moving forward for the 3-2 Broncos. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix has shown signs of improvement compared to his opening two contests, but without Reynolds in the fold Courtland Sutton will be leaned on even more in the passing game. The likes of Marvin Mims, Lil’Jordan Humphrey, DeVaughn Vele and fourth-round rookie Troy Franklin will be counted on to help fill the void created by the 29-year-old’s absence.
Lloyd Cushenberry departed the Broncos in free agency, landing a big-ticket deal with the Titans. His departure left an opening on a Denver offensive line which is otherwise spoken for in terms of first-team contributors. A competition amongst internal replacement options took place during the offseason, with Wattenberg edging out Alex Forsyth for the gig. Wattenberg, 27, hardly played during his first two seasons in Denver but he logged every snap to begin the 2024 campaign before going down in Week 5.
Forsyth took over at center last week, and he represents a logical candidate to start moving forward. Drafted in the seventh round last year (after playing with Nix at Oregon), Forsyth did not see any playing time as a rookie. The 25-year-old dressed for each of Denver’s first four contests but only logged special teams snaps before Wattenberg’s injury. That could change over the coming games.
In more positive injury news, rookie running back Audric Estime was activated from IR. The fifth-rounder was injured in Week 1, so Sunday’s contest marked the earliest point at which he could be brought back into the lineup. Estime practiced this week, suggesting he would indeed be activated today. With Tyler Badie on injured reserve, a depth role should await him right away behind Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin.
Minor NFL Transactions: 10/12/24
Today’s minor transactions, including practice squad callups for Week 6:
Arizona Cardinals
- Elevated: K Chad Ryland
Atlanta Falcons
- Elevated: G Matt Hennessy, CB Kevin King
Baltimore Ravens
- Activated from IR: RB Rasheen Ali
- Elevated: OLB Yannick Ngakoue
Carolina Panthers
- Activated from IR: TE Ian Thomas
- Placed on IR: C Austin Corbett (story)
- Elevated: OLB Marquis Haynes
Chicago Bears
- Elevated: S Tarvarius Moore, CB Ameer Speed
Cincinnati Bengals
- Elevated: CB Jalen Davis, C Trey Hill
Dallas Cowboys
- Elevated: LB Darius Harris, CB Amani Oruwariye
Denver Broncos
- Signed to active roster: DB Tanner McCalister
- Elevated: T Cameron Fleming, G Calvin Throckmorton
Detroit Lions
- Elevated: DE Isaac Ukwu
Green Bay Packers
- Elevated: FB Andrew Beck
Indianapolis Colts
- Signed to active roster: RB Evan Hull
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Elevated: LB Tanner Muse
Las Vegas Raiders
- Activated from IR: S Trey Taylor
- Elevated: WR Alex Bachman, WR Kristian Wilkerson
Los Angeles Chargers
- Signed to active roster: S Tony Jefferson
- Elevated: CB Dicaprio Bootle
New York Giants
- Elevated: WR Isaiah Hodgins, RB Dante Miller
Philadelphia Eagles
- Signed to active roster: WR Parris Campbell
- Elevated: OL Jack Driscoll
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Elevated: WR Ryan Miller, RB D.J. Williams
Tennessee Titans
- Elevated: DT Abdullah Anderson, CB Tre Avery
Washington Commanders
- Activated from reserve/PUP: DE Efe Obada
- Elevated: RB Chris Rodriguez Jr., CB Kevon Seymour
Broncos Assistant Coach Zack Grossi Diagnosed With Cancer
The Broncos will have a little extra motivation during the 2024 NFL season. During the NFL’s Crucial Catch month emphasizing the importance of early cancer screenings and raising cancer awareness, Broncos passing game specialist Zack Grossi will begin treatment for a recent cancer diagnosis, per Broncos lead writer Aric DiLalla.
In a message lauding the organization for their support, Grossi explained that he “felt a little bit off” and had “trouble breathing.” The team’s medical staff examined him, and after bloodwork and a scan, a tumor was discovered in Grossi’s chest cavity. The official diagnosis was “a Yolk Sac Tumor,” according to Grossi’s statement.
Grossi first joined the Broncos back in 2022, during Nathaniel Hackett‘s short tenure as head coach, coming on as an offensive quality control coach. It wasn’t his first experience in the NFL; the 35-year-old spent five seasons with the Buccaneers after his first football job as an offensive graduate assistant for Concord University. He started in Tampa Bay as a scouting assistant in 2014, getting promoted to pro scout the following year. In 2016, Grossi was named assistant to the head coach under Dirk Koetter. He spent his final two years in Tampa Bay as an offensive quality control coach.
Following his five-year stint in the NFL, Grossi went back to the college ranks. He spent a year at Hampton University as the quarterbacks coach and then two years as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for Southern University and A&M College. He made his return to the NFL under Hackett and was retained whenever head coach Sean Payton came on board. Not only did Grossi retain his job after a coaching change, but he also earned a promotion to his current position after a year under Payton’s tutelage.
It’s unfortunate timing for rookie quarterback Bo Nix, who has just begun to blossom as the leader of the offense under the current staff, but the team and staff have professed “unwavering support” of Grossi and his family “as he takes some time away to focus on his health.” Grossi’s treatment will consist of a few months of chemotherapy, which he began this week, until doctors are able to surgically remove the remainder of the tumor.
We at Pro Football Rumors wish Zack and his family only the best in the months to come as we hope for an efficient recovery and a speedy return.
Broncos WR Josh Reynolds To Miss Time
The Broncos will be shorthanded at the receiver spot for a stretch. Josh Reynolds underwent finger surgery, as first reported by Aaron Wilson of KPRC2.
As a result of the procedure, Reynolds will miss Denver’s Week 6 game against the Chargers. Further time on the shelf could be in store as well, per Wilson. Missing the free agent pickup for any extended stretch would hinder a receiving corps which has not posted strong numbers to date.
The Broncos rank 22nd in scoring (19.2 points per game) and are averaging only 164 yards through the air through five contests. The development of first-round rookie quarterback Bo Nix is of course a central factor in the team’s improvement on offense, but Reynolds will be missed while he recovers. The latter ranks second on the team with 183 receiving yards.
Courtland Sutton‘s name was again mentioned in trade speculation this offseason, but he and the Broncos reached agreement on additional incentives for the 2024 campaign. Sutton remains under contract through 2025, and with Jerry Jeudy having been dealt to the Browns (along with Tim Patrick‘s release) he has been leaned on as Denver’s top wideout. The team also has Marvin Mims, Lil’Jordan Humphrey, DeVaughn Vele and fourth-round rookie Troy Franklin in place at the receiver spot.
Reynolds had a strong season with the Lions in 2023, posting 608 yards and five touchdowns. Detroit showed interest in retaining the 29-year-old, but the team did not submit a market level offer. Reynolds cited the presence of head coach Sean Payton as a reason he signed with the Broncos on a two-year, $9MM pact. That investment has made him a key figure on offense, but the 3-2 outfit will need to get by without him for a short-term period.
Broncos Designate CB Damarri Mathis, RB Audric Estime For Return
OCTOBER 10: Tomasson notes Estime should be activated in time for Week 6 as long as he does not encounter any setbacks over the next few days. His presence would again provide a depth option in the backfield as Denver looks for a fourth straight win on Sunday.
OCTOBER 9: As the Broncos have strung together a three-game win streak, reinforcements are on their way back. Both cornerback Damarri Mathis and running back Audric Estime returned to practice Wednesday, per the Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson and KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson.
These are two different transactions, despite both players’ 21-day return windows being the same. The Broncos used one of their newly allowed preseason return designations on Mathis. The third-year corner already counts toward Denver’s eight in-season activations. Injured in Week 1, Estime does not. Once the rookie is activated, the Broncos’ count will drop from seven to six.
Trade interest came in for Mathis late this summer, but the high ankle sprain he sustained in Denver’s preseason finale cooled any talk of a swap. The Broncos, despite Sean Payton not being in place as HC when Mathis was drafted (Round 4, 2022), wanted to hold onto the former starter anyway.
Though, Mathis’ route back to the team’s starting lineup is currently closed. Riley Moss has seized the boundary gig opposite Patrick Surtain. Pro Football Focus rates Moss, a 2023 third-round pick who played mostly special teams as a rookie, as the league’s No. 7 overall corner. The Iowa alum has started all five Broncos games, forcing a fumble and intercepting a pass early in his second season.
Mathis returning would, however, supply depth for a Broncos secondary that also has an established slot starter (Ja’Quan McMillian). Mathis won the Broncos’ CB2 job out of training camp last year, having kept it after being the team’s Ronald Darby replacement in 2022. Denver, however, benched Mathis for Fabian Moreau early last season (Moreau is now with the Vikings). While the Pittsburgh product was relegated to ST duty after that October 2023 demotion, he has made 17 career starts. Mathis would join free agency pickup Levi Wallace as the Broncos’ top backup corners.
A fifth-round pick, Estime saw brief offensive action against the Seahawks in the Broncos’ opener but went down with an ankle malady. The Broncos have seen improvement from Javonte Williams in recent weeks, and Jaleel McLaughlin operates as the starter’s top complementary piece. Denver, however, recently placed Tyler Badie on IR. That stands to open a spot for Estime once he is ready to return. Rookie UDFA Blake Watson resides as the team’s current No. 3 running back.
Minor NFL Transactions: 10/9/24
Wednesday’s minor NFL transactions:
Arizona Cardinals
- Released: WR Chris Moore
Buffalo Bills
- Opened practice window: RB Darrynton Evans
Cincinnati Bengals
- Designated for return from reserve/PUP list: CB DJ Ivey
Cleveland Browns
- Signed: LS Rex Sunahara
- Signed to active roster: TE Geoff Swaim
- Designated to return from IR: LB Mohamoud Diabate, DT Maurice Hurst
- Placed on IR: LS Charley Hughlett
Dallas Cowboys
- Signed to active roster: DE Carl Lawson
Denver Broncos
- Released (with injury settlement): G William Sherman
Las Vegas Raiders
- Placed on IR: DT Christian Wilkins (story)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Designated to return from IR: DE Earnest Brown IV
Free Agents
- Suspended: LB Tariq Carpenter, WR Shi Smith
The Browns are set to start working Hurst and Diabate back to the active roster in practice. 17 of Hurst’s 18 starts came in his first three years in the NFL back from 2018-20, but he did line up as a starter in his lone game with the Browns this year prior to being placed on injured reserve.
Carpenter and Smith are set to miss their next six games due to the suspension levied by the NFL. Carpenter’s suspension is likely linked to the December arrest last year that saw him released from Pittsburgh’s practice squad. The purpose for Smith’s suspension isn’t as clear, but he also got arrested in 2022 on drugs and weapons charges.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 10/8/24
Tuesday’s taxi squad moves:
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed: OL Matthew Cindric
Baltimore Ravens
- Signed: CB Damarion Williams
Cincinnati Bengals
- Signed: CB Micah Abraham
Cleveland Browns
- Released: LB Michael Barrett, RB Royce Freeman, T Ricky Lee
Dallas Cowboys
- Signed: WR Seth Williams, DE Luiji Vilain
Denver Broncos
- Signed: T Cameron Fleming, C Dieter Eiselen, WR Kaden Davis, WR A.T. Perry
- Placed on IR: G William Sherman
- Released: RB Salvon Ahmed, CB Quinton Newsome
Indianapolis Colts
- Signed: RB Trent Pennix
New England Patriots
- Signed: C Sincere Haynesworth
- Released: G Jerome Carvin, WR Matt Landers
New York Jets
- Released: LB Anthony Hines
Seattle Seahawks
- Signed: LB Ezekiel Turner
- Released: LB Devin Richardson
Washington Commanders
- Released: DE Justin Hollins
Fleming saw time with Denver across each of the past three seasons. The 32-year-old alternated between right and left tackle during that span, and he remained on the team’s radar given his workout in September. Now Fleming, a veteran of 117 games and 62 starts, will be an option to handle a depth role along the O-line once he is elevated to the Broncos’ active roster.
Minor NFL Transactions: 10/8/24
Tuesday’s minor moves around the league:
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed to active roster: OL Charlie Heck
- Placed on IR: G Will Hernandez (story)
Carolina Panthers
- Signed (off Giants’ practice squad): OL Cade Mays
- Promoted: OLB Thomas Incoom, DE DeShawn Williams
Cincinnati Bengals
- Placed on IR: CB Dax Hill (story), OL Jaxson Kirkland
Cleveland Browns
- Waived: G Javion Cohen, DT Sam Kamara, TE Blake Whiteheart
Dallas Cowboys
- Signed to active roster: DE Carl Lawson
Denver Broncos
- Signed to active roster: LB Levelle Bailey
Detroit Lions
- Designated for return from reserve/PUP list: OL Christian Mahogany
Houston Texans
- Signed (off Ravens’ practice squad): CB Ka’dar Hollman
- Placed on IR: RB British Brooks
Indianapolis Colts
- Signed to active roster: CB David Long
Minnesota Vikings
- Signed to active roster: RB Myles Gaskin
- Released: TE Robert Tonyan
New England Patriots
- Released: DE Jamree Kromah
Tennessee Titans
- Waived: OL John Ojukwu
Kirkland is out for the season due to a biceps tear, head coach Zac Taylor said on Monday. That injury resulted in the addition of Andrew Stueber off Atlanta’s practice squad, a move which became official today. Kirkland, a former UDFA, made a pair of appearances this season, seeing sparse usage on offense and special teams.
Minor NFL Transactions: 10/5/24
Saturday’s gameday elevations and other minor moves:
Arizona Cardinals
- Elevated: OL Charlie Heck, K Chad Ryland
Baltimore Ravens
- Elevated: RB Chris Collier, OLB Yannick Ngakoue
Buffalo Bills
- Elevated: WR Tyrell Shavers, DT Branson Deen
Carolina Panthers
- Elevated: LB Thomas Incoom, DT T.J. Smith
- Placed on IR: LB Shaq Thompson (story)
Cincinnati Bengals
- Elevated: CB Jalen Davis
Dallas Cowboys
- Signed to active roster: LB Nick Vigil
- Elevated: DE Carl Lawson, CB Amani Oruwariye
Denver Broncos
Green Bay Packers
- Signed to active roster: CB Robert Rochell
- Elevated: FB Andrew Beck
Houston Texans
- Elevated: RB J.J. Taylor
Indianapolis Colts
- Elevated: RB Evan Hull, CB David Long
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Elevated: LB Tanner Muse, S Matthew Jackson
Las Vegas Raiders
- Signed to active roster: DE K’Lavon Chaisson
- Placed on IR: LB Luke Masterson
- Elevated: RB Sincere McCormick, WR Alex Bachman
Los Angeles Rams
- Elevated: WR Xavier Smith, CB Ahkello Witherspoon
Miami Dolphins
- Elevated: CB Nik Needham
Minnesota Vikings
- Elevated: RB Myles Gaskin, S Bobby McCain
New England Patriots
- Signed to active roster: DT Jaquelin Roy
- Elevated: OL Bryan Hudson, LB Ochaun Mathis
New York Giants
- Activated from IR: LB Matt Adams
- Waived: LB Benton Whitley
- Elevated: WR Isaiah Hodgins, RB Dante Miller
New York Jets
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Activated from IR: OLB Jeremiah Moon
- Elevated: WR Brandon Johnson, RB Jonathan Ward
San Francisco 49ers
- Activated from IR: DT Kalia Davis
- Elevated: DL T.Y. McGill, WR Trent Taylor
Washington Commanders
- Activated from IR: QB Marcus Mariota
- Elevated: CB Kevon Seymour, WR Brycen Tremayne
Mariota returned to practice on Wednesday, which was the earliest point at which he could be designated for return. As a result, it comes as little surprise he has been brought back onto Washington’s active roster. The 30-year-old is in his first season with the Commanders, and today’s move paves the way for him to handle backup duties moving forward.
Ngakoue remained on the free agent market into the start of the regular season. He was not connected to a Ravens reunion, but one took place last week. The journeyman sack artist had a brief spell with Baltimore in 2020, and he posted three sacks in 11 games. Ngakoue, 29, had one-and done campaigns in Vegas, Indianapolis and Chicago before taking a Ravens practice squad deal. He will make his debut tomorrow and aim to provide depth along the edge.
Broncos’ Tyler Badie Has Full Movement In Arms, Legs; RB Placed On IR
OCTOBER 5: To little surprise, 9News’ Mike Klis reports Badie has been placed on injured reserve. He will miss at least the next four games as a result, but a return later in the year is still possible. Estime is eligible to be activated from IR as early as next week, and his return would help compensate for Badie’s absence.
SEPTEMBER 30: A scary scene transpired Sunday at MetLife Stadium. Broncos running back Tyler Badie suffered a back injury that seemed to worsen after he limped to the sideline following a first-half fumble. Badie needed to be stretchered off the field.
Good news has emerged a day later. The third-year back did suffer a significant back injury, but NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport relays he has full movement in his arms and legs. Badie had flown back to Denver on a commercial flight Sunday night, KOA’s Brandon Krisztal tweets.
Badie is an IR candidate, per Rapoport, but he is not certain to miss the rest of the season. Signed from the practice squad after a promising outing against the Buccaneers, the Missouri alum is likely out of the mix for the time being. His return later this season would stand to depend on his readiness and the Broncos’ IR situation.
Denver turned to Badie in what became a three-man rotation with Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin. The former Denver practice squad back, however, fumbled on his third touch of the game — a short reception. Badie was able to walk off the field but did so with a limp. Minutes later, he was motionless on the Broncos sideline. This led to the game stopping as the former sixth-round pick was transported out of the stadium for more medical attention.
Badie had led the Broncos in rushing in their Week 3 win over the Bucs, totaling 70 yards on nine carries. With the team cutting Samaje Perine and placing rookie Audric Estime on IR, Badie assumed the RB3 role behind the team’s regulars. With Williams struggling over the team’s first three games, a role appeared to be opening up for a player who did not see any action in 2023. But Badie’s unfortunate setback Sunday will leave the Broncos shorthanded once again.
While Williams showed improvement against the Jets, the Broncos will be in need of another back to work behind he and McLaughlin. The most obvious candidate will be rookie UDFA Blake Watson, a dual-threat player out of Memphis and Old Dominion. Watson made the Broncos’ 53-man roster, most likely as the team feared he would not clear waivers, but has not been active for a game yet.