Broncos Sign Kapri Bibbs to Active Roster, Waive Shaquil Barrett
Aug 28, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Denver Broncos running back Kapri Bibbs (35) runs the ball against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Denver beat Dallas 27-3. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Well, about one week ago, we were all excited about the addition of linebacker Shaquil Barrett to the active roster, only to see him replaced by his former Colorado State teammate Kapri Bibbs on Monday.
#Broncos have signed Kapri Bibbs to active roster, have waived Shaquil Barrett...would expect Barrett back on PS if he clears waivers.
— Jeff Legwold (@Jeff_Legwold) October 20, 2014
It’s unfortunate news for Barrett, though it’s likely we see him back on the practice squad tomorrow, but this is also very exciting news for the guy who led the nation with 31 rushing touchdowns a season ago at Colorado State. Bibbs was really solid for the Broncos in the preseason, and proved valuable on special teams as well and has earned himself a roster spot, apparently after receiving interest from other teams.
There were some teams interested signing Bibbs off #Broncos practice squad. This allows Broncos to keep him -- now have five RBs on roster
— Jeff Legwold (@Jeff_Legwold) October 20, 2014
The Broncos have experienced this plenty in the recent past. Last season, teams were trying to get wide receiver Tavarres King, a fifth round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, off the practice squad. There was a rumor that the San Francisco 49ers tried to get offensive lineman Vinston Painter, a 2013 sixth round pick, off the practice squad in last year’s playoffs as well before the Broncos signed him to the active roster.
This year, Painter was signed by the Cleveland Browns and the Broncos didn’t do anything about it. Teams know the Broncos’ roster is among the most talented in the NFL, so as they attempt to fill out the bottom of their roster as injuries come about, they are going to look to Denver’s roster immediately.
Bibbs’ promotion is both a defense by the Broncos and a testament to this kid’s talent. The Broncos are willing to carry five backs on the active roster with the faith they have in Bibbs’ talent. At the same time, I think this is probably a really tough move for them to make because they are obviously pretty high on Shaq Barrett, who is now subject to waivers and some team screwing the Broncos over.
It will be exciting to see if the Broncos use a fresh Bibbs on Thursday night football against the San Diego Chargers, though the trio of backs (healthy ones) that the Broncos currently have are performing really well. I would say it’s a bit of a longshot to see Bibbs in uniform on Thursday night, but with his special teams ability, it wouldn’t surprise me.
It was reported the Buffalo Bills were among the teams interested in signing the rookie running back away from the Broncos.