Broncos 2015: Team adds OL Antonio Johnson

Jan 12, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Detailed view of a Denver Broncos helmet on the field against the San Diego Chargers during the 2013 AFC divisional playoff football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Broncos have made an addition to the team’s practice squad on Tuesday afternoon. The team has signed former New Orleans Saints and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Antonio Johnson to the practice squad.

Antonio Johnson is a rookie out of the University of North Texas, where he started in all four seasons with the Mean Green football team. He was added to the New Orleans Saints roster after a successful tryout during rookie minicamp in May. However, he was released by the Saints during the 75 man roster cutdown.

Antonio Johnson would later find himself on the Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad in early September, but was also cut by the AFC North team shortly before their season opener against the New England Patriots.

In order to make room for Johnson on the roster, the Broncos released edge rusher Danny Mason. Mason was signed to a future’s contract by the Denver Broncos in January. He saw action in two preseason games against the Seahawks and Texans before being released to get down to the 75 man roster limit.

Mason made his way back to Denver as he was signed to the practice squad. He would be with the Broncos for the first three games before the signing of Antonio Johnson would end his stint with the Broncos.

This is quite an interesting move in both the player that was released and the player that was signed. Antonio Johnson figures to help shore some offensive line depth for the Broncos with the team having its troubles in that category before they seemed to improve against Detroit in Week 3.

For Danny Mason, it intrigues me due to the fact that there is no edge rusher depth on the practice squad. As it stands now, only Demarcus Ware, Von Miller, Shane Ray, Shaquil Barrett, and Lerentee McCray remain as the Denver Broncos edge rushers.

Of course, it goes without saying that the team should be fine, barring any injuries. The first four edge rushers I mentioned have been quite excellent in the first three games. Shaquil Barrett made his impact last week when he strip sacked Matt Stafford and Demarcus Ware recorded 1.5 sacks.

This seems to be an interesting move. Now with three offensive linemen on the practice squad, I am interested to see what Gary Kubiak does when and if an offensive lineman on the roster struggles. Only time will tell. Go Broncos.

Next: Matt Forte, Martellus Bennett to Denver?