Denver Broncos: Taurean Nixon promoted, John Phillips cut
Just ahead of their game against the Oakland Raiders, the Denver Broncos added Taurean Nixon and released tight end John Phillips…
On the eve of their Sunday Night Football matchup against the Oakland Raiders, the Denver Broncos have reportedly promoted defensive back Taurean Nixon from the practice squad and released tight end John Phillips.
This news was first reported by Mike Klis:
The Broncos have incredible depth in the secondary, but the injury to Aqib Talib and the questionable status of Kayvon Webster leave the team with just three cornerbacks against Oakland’s vaunted passing attack.
The development that Webster isn’t likely to play is more surprising here than anything, but the Broncos always have a plan behind their backup plan and in this case, that backup plan is former seventh round pick Taurean Nixon.
More from Predominantly Orange
- Broncos chances of landing Sean Payton dwindling, but not gone
- Denver Broncos dream coaching staff for DeMeco Ryans
- Denver Broncos: “Sleeper” David Shaw checks every box
- The Broncos’ coaching search likely has not gone to plan
- Special Chiefs Suck Offer: Bet $5, Win $150 if Joe Burrow Passes for ONE YARD vs KC
Nixon was drafted in the seventh round of the 2015 NFL Draft, spent most of his rookie season on the practice squad, and was promoted to the active roster just prior to the Broncos’ Super Bowl run.
Nixon has all the athletic ability in the world, but might see his most extensive on-field action along with a plethora of other young Broncos defensive backs on Sunday afternoon.
The injuries to Webster and Talib leave the Broncos with the trio of Chris Harris Jr., Bradley Roby, and Lorenzo Doss, who was Nixon’s teammate at Tulane.
With Nixon on the active roster, the Broncos had to make a move to keep the overall number at 53 players, and they decided to release tight end John Phillips, who scored a touchdown this season against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Phillips was seemingly a longshot to make the roster when he originally signed in Denver, but injuries and no real breakout performer forced the Broncos into keeping him on the team. John Elway and the front office recently made a move to acquire tight end A.J. Derby from the New England Patriots, and it seems he will now make his Broncos debut on Sunday night.