The Denver Broncos have reportedly signed defensive linemen Ahtyba Rubin and plan to place Jared Crick on injured reserve…
The Denver Broncos were hoping to get some good news on the injury front this week with defensive lineman Jared Crick, the team’s starting right defensive end. Crick tested his back earlier this week in practice, and was downgraded from ‘limited’ to ‘did not participate’.
As a result of this downgrade, Crick got a second opinion on his back injury and will reportedly have season-ending surgery. The Broncos are signing veteran defensive lineman Ahtyba Rubin to replace Crick on the roster.
Rubin was rumored to be part of trade discussions between the Broncos and Seahawks a couple of weeks ago, but nothing materialized. Now, the Broncos are getting him without giving up anything in a trade, but unfortunately losing Crick in the process.
News. Former Seahawks DT Ahtyba Rubin expected to sign with Denver later today. @NFLonFOX @gmfb @nflnetwork
— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) September 15, 2017
#Broncos DE Jared Crick is having surgery on his back, sources say, and he’s looking at a lengthy absence. Likely Injured Reserve bound.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 15, 2017
This is obviously unfortunate for Crick, who had added some bulk this offseason and was entering his second year as a starter for the Broncos.
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This was Crick’s second year with the Broncos, and it could also be his final season with the team. He signed a two-year contract prior to the 2016 season, so he’ll be a free agent coming up in 2018.
For Rubin, this is a chance to be an impactful piece of a defensive front that is slowly but surely getting healthy. Zach Kerr is returning to practice this week, and the Broncos expect Shane Ray back by the end of next month.
The addition of Rubin will provide Denver with some much needed depth up front, and he’s obviously got plenty of experience playing on a very talented defense. Last season, Rubin played over 56 percent of the snaps for the Seahawks. It was the most he’s played since the 2013 season.
He’ll work in a rotation with the likes of Kerr and nose tackle Domata Peko, probably as soon as this coming weekend against the Dallas Cowboys and their vaunted running game.